About us   

What we do 

Osprey Outdoors was started in 2008, and we have many years of experience in delivering engaging outdoor activities and inspiring courses in a wide range of rural locations and natural landscapes across North Somerset and the Mendips. 

 

Our activities aim to contribute to creating healthier and happier communities through environmental activities that develop outdoor skills and experiences that bring people together. 

 

We believe that the great outdoors is the perfect environment to:

• Promote engagement in the natural world 

• Learn about our impact on the planet

• Build confidence and motivation

• Develop new skills

• Impact positively upon wellbeing and enhance a sense of belonging

• Promote social cohesion and reduce isolation

 

See our ‘Activities Pages’ for more info. 

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Who we are for

Osprey’s activities are open to all, and referral can be made by an individual or a local agency on behalf of someone else.

 

It is important to us that our activities are rewarding, purposeful, inclusive, collaborative and fun. We want everyone who participates to feel that they are learning new skills and having nourishing experiences, whilst gaining a high level of personal achievement.

 

We have many years of experience working with vulnerable adults, children and young people and can tailor activities and courses to meet the needs and goals of individuals or groups. We also offer team building activities and events for the wider public.  

 

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Who we are

Osprey Outdoors was set up by Wendy Watkins and Matt Doolan, as a not for profit, Community Interest Company.

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We realised that there was a need for people to leave technology behind and wanted to give everyone the opportunity to get outside and into nature. Particularly those who find it hard to leave the urban environment due to many reasons, including lack of transport, finances, someone to go with, low confidence and self esteem, not knowing where to go to or how to get there, and many other reasons why we stay in town or at home.

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All our staff are DBS checked and we train members of the team in Outdoors First Aid, Safeguarding Children and  Adults at Risk, Prevent, GDPR, Risk Assessments.  Some members of our team have additional qualifications including:

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 - Mountain Leader Training

 - Forest School Leader - Level 3

 - Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning - Level 3

 - Nutrition - BSc

 - Minibus Drivers Assessment

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Policies 

We have the following policies in place:

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 - Health and Safety

 - Equality and Diversity

 - Child protection and Safeguarding

 - Modern Slavery

 - Disposal of Electrical Equipment

 - Environmental sustainability

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Partner Working

We work with many local organisations including: 

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 - Alliance Homes

 - Avon Wildlife Trust

 - AWP Early Intervention Team

 - Changing Lives

 - Citizen's Advice Bureau

 - Coast

 - Curo Housing

 - For All Healthy Living Centre

 - Friends of Grove Park

 - Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

 - National Trust

 - Reptile and Amphibian Group

 - Somerset Wildlife Trust

 - Team North Somerset

 - Voluntary Action North Somerset

 - We Are Aware

 - Worlebury Hillfort volunteers

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We are always open to working with like-minded organisations and new groups, so please do get in touch for an informal chat. 

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Support

We are grateful for support to enable us to carry out our valuable work.

  

 Our work has been funded by Educational Establishments including:

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 - Community Learning North Somerset

 - Somerset Skills and Learning

 - Worker's Educational Association

 

 

We have received Grant funding from various organisations including: 

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 - Big Lottery Community Fund

 - Bristol Water

 - British Science Week

 - Green Social Prescribing

 - Mendip Hills Fund

 - Merchant Venturers Association

 - North Somerset Community Partnership

 - North Somerset Council

 - Quartet Community Foundation

 - Voluntary Action North Somerset

 - We Sport

 - Wellcome Foundation

 - Wessex Water

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Any financial surplus is put back into the organisation and used to purchase equipment and materials to enable us to continue making our projects happen.

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