Tree Climbing
Scale new heights with our Adrenaline Ascending Aerial Climbing!
Explore nature from new heights
Fun for all ages and perfect for parties. Tree climbing gives young people the chance to develop mental and physical skills, build confidence, work as a team and most importantly have fun.
Finlaystone Country Estate.
Join us this Summer at Finlaystone Country Estate.
Auchincruive Estate.
Join us this Summer at Auchincruive Estate, by Ayr.
Not all classrooms have four walls.
Little Acorns works with schools and groups to offer an exciting new mobile form of adventure for your learners. We also have experience of working with children with both physical and learning disabilities.
We can offer an alternative approach to aspects of your curriculum, teaching young people to solve problems and experience risk management in a safe and fun environment.
A fantastic external resource that enables your school to offer a new and different activity – with very little impact on your staff or environment.
We can come to your school (if you have a suitable tree at/ near your location) so there’s no travel, implicated cost or administration to you
We also have our own awesome tree climbing site conjoined with our forest school and also utilise local green spaces
We offer real value for money – prices start at £10 per head
We work independently – little or no input required from your staff
We work in sensitive sites with minimal environmental impact
We supply everything
Our staff are highly skilled and qualified, PVG checked and first aid trained
Teaching in the trees can be used in a variety of ways; as part of your curriculum, for activity days, sports days, open days, post exam celebrations etc. We can also combine tree climbing with several of our other activities including bushcraft, campfire cooking, archery and axe throwing.
“Our son absolutely loved your climbing experience. He came back buzzing and on top of the world. I can’t thank your staff enough for the kindness and patience you showed him”
— Parent Feedback
FAQ.
Is tree climbing safe?
Yes. At Little Acorns we want our climbers to feel safe at all times. Each climber is fitted with a harness and helmet. During any of our activities carried out at height participants are always securely attached to a safety line. All climbers have constant supervision from our instructors and are instructed throughout the climb.
All of our equipment is inspected regularly by lead instructors and also by a qualified (ROSPA approved) adventurous activity PPE inspector every six months. You can therefore be assured that all of our equipment meets industry standards at all times.
Our equipment is CE (European Conformity) marked and is checked before and after each session. Each of the rope lines are strength tested on the branches before climbing.
We use trusted manufacturers in the outdoor industry from only reputable suppliers.
What do I get from it?
You will have a fun, exhilarating, adventurous experience that builds confidence and encourages you to discover your own strengths and how to tackle your fears. Tree climbing helps bring children and adults alike closer to nature, encouraging an exploration of the natural world whilst learning to make measured and calculated risks. This helps to build confidence though a real sense of achievement reaching heights never dreamed of, and in the process, gaining an understanding of trees and the environment. This is altogether a great learning experience and something really unique.
Are the trees harmed in any way?
We only climb healthy trees and each tree is inspected before each climb including surrounding access and terrain. Cambium savers are also used with the ropes so the trees branches are protected. We operate a Leave-No-Trace policy so that our footprint will be minimal or non-existent.
Who can climb?
For tree climbing anyone aged 6 years or above can climb. You do need a certain upper and lower body strength because you are pulling your own weight into the tree but anyone who is physically fit and healthy can take part in the activity. We occasionally run sessions for those younger than 6 years using our adapted pulley harness and birds nest.
Can adults climb with children?
Yes, parents/carers are actively encouraged to climb alongside their children- it can be a really fun, bonding activity that you can both enjoy, even if you climb at different paces. Our equipment has a 100kg weight limit for adult participants.
If I’m not climbing do I have to stay with my child?
Legally you are not required to stay with your child. However many children prefer to have a parent present and you will certainly enjoy watching your child build confidence and have fun. For children under the age of 10 we recommend that you stay nearby, taking a stroll around the forest or enjoy a picnic/read a book.
What happens during one of your sessions?
First of all we will kit you out with a helmet and harness. Then one of our instructors will give you a short demonstration on the technique required to climb the tree, as well as telling you a little bit about your tree and it’s ecosystem. After that you can ascend and descend as many times as you want within the session, taking breaks when you need to. We often combine our sessions with our other forest school and adventure activities such as archery, axe throwing and fire lighting.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is best, although nothing too baggy as it might get snagged in the equipment. We recommend you wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, and sturdy footwear such as trainers or boots. Long hair should be tied back in a long pony tail.
What do you provide?
We provide a helmet, a harness and full climbing tuition. We always have drinking water available.
What if I’m afraid of heights?
Our Tree Climbing is perfectly safe so this is an ideal opportunity to conquer that fear. By manipulating the prusiks you control how high or low you go. However we completely understand that some people are more cautious than others. All our instructors are super experienced and will work with you every step of the way. If you are unsure about whether this is right for you, we encourage you to give us a ring, and have a chat with us so we can tailor a session to your comfort level.
Is it suitable for people with additional support needs or physical disabilities?
We try and accommodate everybody so just give us a call or to explain your challenges and we will always try our best.
What happens if the weather is bad?
On rare occasions we may have to cancel an event for safety reasons. This might be because of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or high winds that prevent us from running the event safely. In the event of a cancelled session you will be entitled to a full refund minus 10% for admin costs or you can reschedule for another date. We will try and notify you as early as possible. However in the case of light rain, the introduction to the sessions takes place under a tarp, and the tree climb is not impeded in any way.
Are you insured?
Yes. We have Public Liability Insurance as well as Employers Liability Insurance, both covered up to a value of 10 million pounds.
How qualified are you?
All of our instructors hold City & Guilds Level 2 in Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue as well as up-to-date Outdoor First Aid Certificates. Instructors are also members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. Most of our instructors are also qualified L3 Forest School Practitioners or equivalent.