Last updated: 13 February 2024
Next review: 13 February 2025
The Hive is an innovative environmental education service. It inspires young people and adults to tackle climate change, through a deeper understanding and connection with the natural world. Building on our legacy of over 50 years of engaging people in protecting the natural world for future generations.
The Hive is located on the edge of east London, in Epping Forest. It is nestled amongst stunning landscaped gardens, terraces, wildflower meadow,s and woodland.
The centre reopened in the summer of 2021 after a multi-million-pound refurbishment. It's now equipped to provide year-round outdoor environmental learning activities for schools, families, adults, and community groups.
Visits for schools and community groups
Residential
Our heated wooden camping pods can accommodate up to 64 students (under 16) and 8 adults or 48 students (post 16) with 4 adults. It provides a memorable experience under the stars at any time of the year.
The brand new, sustainable Lodge facility with full height glass walls is a short walk across the camping site. The space provides flexible learning or social space with amenities and in warm weather the dining facilities for 80 people can open up for outdoor eating.
Find out about our school and community group residential.
Day visits
The Hive is a great place to bring the environmental curriculum to life. Expert Environmental Education Officers lead a range of exciting hands-on outdoor activities, with a main focus on climate action. There is a 'meet the animals' session where learners can discover different creatures and the threats to their habitats.
Corporate visits
The Hive has a range of indoor and outdoor spaces available for use in many ways. From corporate meetings to conferences, and team-building days. Corporate visitors can book a room only, or get in touch to arrange a tailor-made package.