Blackland Farm The adventures start here! 1
Welcome Nestled in the glorious Sussex countryside yet close to all major transport links, Blackland Farm is a multi-purpose activity centre offering a wide range of fun and challenging activities. We specialise in providing great value, exciting residential adventures for young people. 2 From abseiling to zip wire, there are enough activities on site to give any group an action-packed visit. Our variety of facilities and friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you create a truly memorable camp, holiday or event.
Why come to Blackland Farm? There is something to suit every group and every budget! Whether you re planning a survival style camp for five people or a major event for 3,000, we have the ideal site and range of activities for you. Our 120-acre site combines woodland with fields. You can choose to camp on our campsites (equipped or back-tobasics!) or stay in one of four purposebuilt holiday houses. Our fully qualified instructors hold nationally recognised qualifications and have extensive experience of instructing groups of all ages and abilities. They are skilled at bringing out the best in young people, encouraging them to achieve more than they ever expected. Watch your group grow in confidence and self-esteem as they learn new skills from our team. We want all our visitors to have the best time possible, and we are proud of our flexibility. Talk to us about how we can help you to create a great camp or holiday adventure. Many groups have such a good time at Blackland Farm that they return year after year! 3
Out and about Blackland Farm is an ideal base for exploring the local area. Nearby attractions include Hever Castle, where Anne Boleyn once lived, and Winston Churchill s former home at Chartwell. Brighton, London and theme parks such as Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and Drusillas Park are each about an hour away. Blackland Farm is also within walking distance of Ashdown Forest and the Bluebell Steam Railway. The Girlguiding connection Blackland Farm is owned by Girlguiding, the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in the UK. We support the organisation s aims by providing experiences that allow young people to develop their full potential. 4
Safety first Girlguiding has an enviable safety record in providing residential events and supplying adventurous activities for young people. We have stringent risk assessment protocols and training procedures, so you can be sure that while our activities are challenging and encourage young people to develop an awareness of risk, they are carried out within an appropriately safe environment. You can download our risk assessments for the key adventurous activities from our web pages at www.blacklandfarm.org.uk. Our climbing and water activities have been inspected by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and the British Canoe Union. Details of our licence are available on request. We also hold public liability insurance. 5
Something for everyone Guiding and Scouting groups We have accommodation options to suit all sections, and a great range of activities to complement any programme theme. Corporate team building/adventure days Whether the purpose is team building, leadership development or simply to reward your team, you will have fun and discover hidden talents while developing key skills such as communication and teamwork. Our activities are suitable for all levels of physical fitness and ability. Special events for Girlguiding members Contact the office or visit our website to find out about special Rainbow and Brownie themed fun days and events/ camps for Guides and Senior Section. Large events We have the experience and infrastructure to host camps and events for up to 3,000 people. 6
Schools A residential adventure lets your pupils make closer friendships, learn new skills, work as a team and develop their self-esteem. Our fun activities promote a healthy lifestyle and increase pupils enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors, as well as encouraging them to make their own choices and learn to assess risk. Visit our website to download Blackland Farm s Every Child Matters matrix. Come for the day Looking for a great day out for your group? Our activities are available all year round just pick and mix from the wide range on offer (see pages 12-16). Happy birthday! Want a birthday party with a difference? You can hire our facilities and activities for your big day. Call us! Our staff will be delighted to talk to you about your group s requirements and help you plan an adventure to remember. Please call us for an informal chat or to ask questions. See page 19 for our contact details. 7
Accommodation Camping We welcome all sizes of camps and have spacious campsites for you to choose from. Don t worry if your group doesn t have any camping equipment; for a modest fee, you can hire tents, shelters and equipment from us. Most of our sites are equipped with a toilet/shower block. Each group will be allocated a toilet block for their sole use (it is the group s responsibility to clean it as well). Our toilet blocks are suitable for female or male use and all include showers. Tokens are used for the lights, water heating and showers so you only pay for the electricity your group uses. 8 If you plan to go back to basics, we have a number of unequipped campsites with just a water tap bring all other equipment with you, or perfect your survival skills!
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Indoor accommodation For those who like a real bed at night, there are four well equipped self-catering houses to choose from. All are situated at the heart of the campsite with easy access to activities. All houses have various sized bedrooms and separate living areas. They all have gas cookers and are supplied with crockery and cutlery. Indoor accommodation WEAVERS RESTROP WAGTAIL HERONS facilities LODGE HOUSE (available October March) Sleeps no. of people 38 25 30 20 Room sizes 4 x 8 beds 1 dormitory 1 dormitory 1 x 8 beds 2 x 3 beds x 22 beds x 26 beds 6 x 2 beds 1 x 3 beds 1 x 4 beds Heating Gas Electric Electric Electric Utilities Gas and Gas included, Gas included, Gas and electricity electricity electricity electricity included through a through a included coin meter coin meter Disabled access Yes No Yes Yes Private grassed area Yes, also a No Yes Yes spacious veranda Site facilities Our on-site shop is open daily during the summer, and by appointment in winter, selling gifts, postcards, sweets and drinks. 10
RESTROP WAGTAIL LODGE WEAVERS HERONS HOUSE 11
Activities Whether you re a beginner or an expert, we have activities to challenge you! Residential guests and day visitors can book a wide range of activities which will give your group an opportunity to explore new or different ways to enjoy the outdoors. You ll be busy from dawn to dusk. On the water 12 Our paddlesport activities take place on Weir Wood reservoir, within 30 minutes walk of the campsite. All participants must be able to swim 50m in clothing normally worn for the activity. Buoyancy aids will be provided. All sessions include instructors, with instructors qualified to British Canoe Union level 1 or 2. KAYAKING (AGE 10+) An introduction to this exciting sport learn the basics of paddling a kayak, a single-seat canoe that you propel using a double-ended paddle. OPEN CANOEING (AGE 7+) An ideal introduction to the water. An open canoe is usually paddled by two to four people. SWIMMING Fancy a dip? Our indoor heated swimming pool is available between May and September. Please note that you will need to arrange for a suitably qualified instructor/lifeguards. We are able to provide lifeguards; please contact the office for details.
Head for heights? We have activities to suit and challenge everyone from the complete beginner to the seasoned climber. Depending on the weather, sessions are available throughout the year, including evenings (subject to daylight for the outdoor climbing wall). All sessions include safety equipment and instructors, who hold the Girlguiding Climbing and Abseiling Scheme level 1 qualification. CLIMBING WALLS (AGE 7+) Whatever the weather, you can climb at Blackland Farm on our professionally built indoor or outdoor walls. ROCK CLIMBING (AGE 14+) For those with some climbing experience, a chance to test your skills at Stone Farm Rocks, a nearby sandstone outcrop (about 20 minutes walk from the site). ZIP WIRE (AGE 7+) Build your confidence and enjoy the thrill of whizzing through the trees on one of the two permanent zip wires hidden deep in our woodland. CRATE CHALLENGE (AGE 7+) This challenge develops trust and encourages teamwork. Groups build a tower of crates with two members balancing on top. Can your group beat the record? BUNGEE TRAMPOLINES (AGE 5+) Our ever-popular bungee trampolines are available all year round (unless there is snow or ice!). Ideal for birthday parties. Instructor(s) included. ABSEILING (AGE 7+) What goes up must come down! Descend one of our two purpose-built abseil towers in style.
Target practice ARCHERY We have three outdoor archery ranges and one indoor range. Sessions include GNAS-qualified instructors. All equipment is provided. RIFLE SHOOTING Find out whether you are a crack shot on our shooting range, which is equipped with 0.177 air rifles. You will need to provide a qualified instructor for this activity and follow your organisation s rules for participants eligibility. 14
Fun for all TEAM BUILDING A variety of problem-solving exercises for all ages to tackle. Instructor(s) included. ORIENTEERING Discover Blackland Farm on our professionally designed permanent orienteering course. Pick up your maps from the office. ASSAULT COURSE Based in Tits Wood, the FREE assault course is a great way to burn off excess energy! Please note that a suitable adult must supervise this activity. LOW ROPES COURSE A series of intriguing obstacles that the group must negotiate while developing their teamwork, coordination and communication skills. 15
TRAILS Explore the Blackland Farm site an ideal activity if your group has some time to spare. BOULDERING WALL (AGE 7+) An exciting low-level climbing experience, suitable both for beginners and as practice for those who have climbed before. GRASS SLEDGES (AGES 5 14) Who needs snow? We have six sledges for hire that you can use on Kingfisher field. TUNNELS New in 2008, our manmade caving experience! Find your way through a labyrinth of connected 60cm diameter plastic pipes. AEROBALL Trampoline-based netball-style activity. 16
Facilities and equipment for hire Looking to hire facilities? If you already have qualified instructors, our abseiling tower, climbing wall and kayaking/open canoe equipment are available to hire at competitive rates. Please note that we will require copies of your instructors qualifications in advance. A list of accepted qualifications is available upon request. Sign up for a Blackland Farm activity course If you ve had a taste of what we can offer and want to take it further, why not sign up for one of our activity courses? Run throughout the year by our qualified instructors, the courses can help you improve your skills and knowledge and work towards nationally recognised qualifications. To find out more, please contact the office and request our courses brochure or visit our web pages at www.blacklandfarm.org.uk. Take it further Thinking of pursuing a career in activity provision or centre management? Every year Blackland Farm recruits activity instructors, camp assistants and volunteers to help in the shop. To find out more, contact us now. 17
18 Booking your adventure
Group accommodation booking: to book accommodation and/or activities, please phone or email us to check availability on your chosen dates and make a provisional booking. We will then send you a pack, which includes an activity booking form, and hold your provisional booking for a maximum of two weeks until we receive your booking form. You can book unsupervised and supervised activities at least 48 hours in advance by sending the activity booking form to us, except for spring half term and summer holiday weeks when you need to book any supervised activities six weeks before the date of your camp. Activities without instructors can also be booked when you are here on site. Day visitors: please phone, fax, email or post your requirements to us. Corporate visitors and schools: please contact us for an informal chat to discuss your requirements. We will then advise you on the booking procedure. Contact us If you have any queries or require further information, please contact us at: Girlguiding Blackland Farm Grinstead Lane, East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 4HP Tel: 01342 810493 Fax: 01342 811206 Email: blackland@girlguiding.org.uk Website: www.blacklandfarm.org.uk 19
Getting here How to find Blackland Farm London Gatwick B2110 Crawley 11 A23 B2036 9A B2036 M23 9 10 10A B2036 B2110 B2028 Haywards Heath B2028 A22 A264 East Grinstead B2028 B2110 BLACKLAND FARM A22 A275 A264 A22 BY ROAD From M23 Exit at junction ten. Follow A264 for East Grinstead to A22 traffic lights and turn right. Turn right again at the next traffic lights into Imberhorne Lane. At the end of the road, go over the cross-roads. At the T-junction, turn right. From the bottom of a steep hill, Blackland Farm is half a mile up on the right. From M25 Exit at junction six. Follow A22 for East Grinstead for 12 miles. At Felbridge, go straight on at the first traffic lights. Turn right at the next traffic lights into Imberhorne Lane. At the end of the road, go over the cross-roads. At the T-junction, turn right. From the bottom of a steep hill, Blackland Farm is half a mile on the right. From A22 At Wych Cross take the left turn signposted to Sharpthorne. Follow the road for approximately 1.3 miles to the next crossroads and take the left turn. Follow this for approximately 1.3 miles and take the first right, signposted to East Grinstead and the National Trust site Standen. Follow the road for approximately 0.6 miles and Blackland Farm is on your left. BY TRAIN Trains from London Victoria to East Grinstead take about 50 minutes. Take a taxi from the station to Blackland Farm (approximately four miles). Blackland Farm A272 A272 A272 www.girlguiding.org.uk The Guide Association 2013. Girlguiding is an operating name of The Guide Association. Registered charity number 306016. Incorporated by Royal Charter.