What difference do we make at Woodlarks?

What stories do people tell about Woodlarks?

Georgia’s Story

Born disabled but educated mainstream, Georgia searched for belonging. Woodlarks camping changed everything, building independence, confidence and friendship….

Adrian’s Story

After a spinal injury changed everything, lifelong scout Adrian rediscovers camping, independence and belonging at an inclusive campsite—finally home again….

Mac’s Story

For young people like Mac, education doesn’t always work best in a classroom….

Gemma’s Story

One bursary. One volunteer. Two lives changed—and a future set in motion….

Roy’s Story

Roy’s story is a powerful testament to the impact your support can have on Woodlarks….

Becky’s Story

Becky had a magical time at Woodlarks Santa’s grotto….

Brian’s Story

Brian rediscovered his love of swimming at Woodlarks!…

Dorcas’s Story

Dorcas cherished her camping experiences at Woodlarks, and left a legacy….

How many people benefited from Woodlarks in 2025?

596

Disabled people benefited from life-changing experiences at Woodlarks

Camping

18 camps

375 disabled campers

Santa’s Grotto

10 days

183 disabled visitors

20 off-site disabled recipients

Work Experience

1 school

8 sessions

18 disabled learners

1,028

Volunteers, helpers and enablers made the magic happen at Woodlarks

Camping

638 helpers

64 of them doing Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential

Santa’s Grotto

143 helpers

Work Experience

19 enablers

Working Parties

8 corporate days

12 working parties

228 workers

3,348

Camping nights at Woodlarks

3,823

Volunteering days at Woodlarks

How do people benefit from Woodlarks?

Woodlarks helps many people in many ways.

Disabled Campers

A chance to try canvas camping with support provided
Opportunities for adventure that lead to greater confidence
A chance to challenge beliefs about ‘things I’ll never be able to do’
The possibility of making life-long friendships with their non-disabled peers

School Groups

Uncovering hidden strengths not obvious in the school environment
Nurturing positive attitudes about what individual pupils can do
The well-documented improved well-being gained by spending time close to nature

Volunteer Helpers

The satisfaction of knowing that they’ve helped to make the magic happen
Useful work experience and a great entry to record on a CV
Qualifying Gold Residential for the DofE Award
Reference on request for university or job applications

Parents & Carers

A chance for their own holiday, with peace of mind that their relative is in safe hands
Sharing in the excitement as their relative relates stories from their week at camp

Santa’s Grotto Visitors

A bespoke multi-sensory experience designed for children with profound disabilities
A chance for children with complex needs to connect with a sense of awe and wonder
An outreach option for local SEND schools unable to travel to Woodlarks

Work Experience Learners

An opportunity to learn practical skills in a supportive environment
A chance for learning outside of the classroom

Society as a Whole

Appreciation of the barriers disabled people face
Opportunities to break down some of those barriers
Increased understanding and inclusion
An understanding that we all have abilities