Education at The Hive
Please only visit if you have prebooked. You will not be able to book if we are not running the sessions.
Please get in touch if you would like to arrange a session for your class or group. Email [email protected]
Scroll down to see details of sessions and some photos of our educational sessions from previous years.
All parents/guardians whose children attend sessions with us need to complete the following consent form:
Please get in touch if you would like to arrange a session for your class or group. Email [email protected]
Scroll down to see details of sessions and some photos of our educational sessions from previous years.
All parents/guardians whose children attend sessions with us need to complete the following consent form:
Please ensure you have completed a consent form the first time your child attends a session at the Hive - or if any of your medical/emergency/dietary info has changed since you submitted a form:
West Suffolk Hive Consent Form (jotform.com)
Terms and Conditions
West Suffolk Hive CIC reserves the right to cancel the session if the weather is deemed dangerous, if the site is inaccessible, or due to illness. In this case, all attendees will be informed via WhatsApp and/or email and will be offered a refund or the opportunity to carry their booking over to another session. West Suffolk Hive CIC are not liable for any costs incurred in this cancellation.
We do not tolerate any abuse or aggressive behaviour towards our staff or volunteers. We encourage all participants to show respect for the site, our equipment and all the birds and animals that live there. Participants are expected to be well-mannered, tolerant, honest and considerate of other people and other people's property. Any inappropriate behaviour may result in participants being asked to leave for the safety and benefit of staff, volunteers and other participants. If you are concerned about any issues, please tell Steph, Claire or Helen who are the Safeguarding officers. Incidents will be written down and a copy of our report will be sent in writing to all parties involved.
Please inform us of any relevant medical information before a session (via the booking form, in writing, or verbally at the start of a session) and make us aware of any issues so we can help you. We try to make all our sessions inclusive where possible, and cater for most dietary requirements. If you or your child becomes unwell or injured during a session, please speak to a member of staff. We have a first aid kit on site and most of the staff are trained in first aid. If you or your child becomes ill after a session, please notify us if we need to inform other parents in the case of potentially communicable diseases.
Please do not attend a session if unwell, and not for at least 48 hours after any episode of sickness or diarrhoea.
Payment cannot be refunded if a child is absent from the class through sickness or for any other reason. However, if an absence is prolonged for reasons beyond the parent/carer's control, then a proportionate refund may be made at the session leader's discretion. Guidance as to whether it is appropriate to bring your child if they have an illness can be found on the NHS website/schools advice.
Before a child attends their first class, emergency contact details and disclaimer for liability must be completed and signed. Payment is required in advance of attending any sessions at the Hive.
Participants and staff must wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. See Weather and Clothing Policy.
All participants must familiarise themselves with the site rules and respect the ethos and values of The Hive.
Site Rules
Privacy Policy
Who we are
West Suffolk Hive CIC is based near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK. It is a family-centred community interest company run by a team of directors, staff and volunteers. Its activities aim to improve wellbeing, education and community through a connection with nature.
What this privacy policy covers
This policy covers how West Suffolk Hive CIC treats personal information that we collect and receive. Personal information is information about you that is personally identifiable like your name, address, email address or phone number, or about your children and that is not otherwise publicly available.
Information collection and use
West Suffolk Hive CIC collects personal information whenever a user chooses to contact us via our website or submits a booking form using the link on the website. We also collect personal information from direct contact by email or through our Facebook page. When filling in the booking form, we ask for your name, address, email address, and telephone number. Subscribers to our membership will be automatically added to an email mailing list to receive regular news and updates.
Individual rights over personal information
You have the right to be informed about information held by us about you and to have access upon your request to that information from us within one month of requesting it. It is your right to have information rectified if it is incorrect or to be erased if you request us to do so.
Information sharing and disclosure
We do not rent, sell or share personal information about you with anyone. We will use reasonable efforts to ensure that your personal data is not disclosed to regional/national institutions and authorities, unless required by law or other regulations.
Changes to this privacy policy
We may update this policy. We will notify you about significant changes in the way we treat personal information by placing a prominent notice on our website.
To see a copy of our relevant policies, procedures and insurance, please go to:
Information - WEST SUFFOLK HIVE CIC
West Suffolk Hive Consent Form (jotform.com)
Terms and Conditions
West Suffolk Hive CIC reserves the right to cancel the session if the weather is deemed dangerous, if the site is inaccessible, or due to illness. In this case, all attendees will be informed via WhatsApp and/or email and will be offered a refund or the opportunity to carry their booking over to another session. West Suffolk Hive CIC are not liable for any costs incurred in this cancellation.
We do not tolerate any abuse or aggressive behaviour towards our staff or volunteers. We encourage all participants to show respect for the site, our equipment and all the birds and animals that live there. Participants are expected to be well-mannered, tolerant, honest and considerate of other people and other people's property. Any inappropriate behaviour may result in participants being asked to leave for the safety and benefit of staff, volunteers and other participants. If you are concerned about any issues, please tell Steph, Claire or Helen who are the Safeguarding officers. Incidents will be written down and a copy of our report will be sent in writing to all parties involved.
Please inform us of any relevant medical information before a session (via the booking form, in writing, or verbally at the start of a session) and make us aware of any issues so we can help you. We try to make all our sessions inclusive where possible, and cater for most dietary requirements. If you or your child becomes unwell or injured during a session, please speak to a member of staff. We have a first aid kit on site and most of the staff are trained in first aid. If you or your child becomes ill after a session, please notify us if we need to inform other parents in the case of potentially communicable diseases.
Please do not attend a session if unwell, and not for at least 48 hours after any episode of sickness or diarrhoea.
Payment cannot be refunded if a child is absent from the class through sickness or for any other reason. However, if an absence is prolonged for reasons beyond the parent/carer's control, then a proportionate refund may be made at the session leader's discretion. Guidance as to whether it is appropriate to bring your child if they have an illness can be found on the NHS website/schools advice.
Before a child attends their first class, emergency contact details and disclaimer for liability must be completed and signed. Payment is required in advance of attending any sessions at the Hive.
Participants and staff must wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. See Weather and Clothing Policy.
All participants must familiarise themselves with the site rules and respect the ethos and values of The Hive.
Site Rules
- Please respect the site - please do not pick any flowers, fruit or vegetables, do not climb the fruit trees, and keep the noise level down near the cemetery.
- The Hive values biodiversity and conservation. Please do not harm any living creatures anywhere around the site. Let a member of staff know if there is a potential hazard (e.g. wasp’s nest) and do not disturb nesting birds or animals.
- No smoking is permitted anywhere within the site at any time beyond the car park. There is a high risk of fire across the site and we would like to protect our staff and participants.
- Children must only approach the pond with an adult. Please do not enter the pond, put anything in or remove anything from the pond.
- Be aware that there is a bee hive behind the pond, please do not approach it.
- Please keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them.
- Take care around the site, the ground may be slippery, there is a deep pond and ditch, there may be brambles and tree roots, and there is an active bee hive in the meadow. We have signs indication potential hazards.
- Please use the composting toilets as indicated, and let a member of staff know if there are any issues.
- Please make us aware of any issues, damage or incidents as soon as possible.
- We respect people, value diversity and are committed to equality. Anybody using our site and facilities will be respectful to others, regardless of their age, ethnic background, gender, sexuality, ability, race, religion or political beliefs.
- Abusive and discriminatory behaviour towards our staff, members and service users will not be tolerated.
- Please be considerate of others and treat everyone around you with kindness and courtesy. We respect people’s boundaries and property at The Hive.
- Make sure you take any litter away with you if possible. We have a recycling bin and compost area on site.
- Children attending sessions with their parent/guardian remain their responsibility at all times.
- When using Hive resources (toys, games etc.) please try to minimise any damage by using them as intended and making sure they are returned by the end of the session.
Privacy Policy
Who we are
West Suffolk Hive CIC is based near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK. It is a family-centred community interest company run by a team of directors, staff and volunteers. Its activities aim to improve wellbeing, education and community through a connection with nature.
What this privacy policy covers
This policy covers how West Suffolk Hive CIC treats personal information that we collect and receive. Personal information is information about you that is personally identifiable like your name, address, email address or phone number, or about your children and that is not otherwise publicly available.
Information collection and use
West Suffolk Hive CIC collects personal information whenever a user chooses to contact us via our website or submits a booking form using the link on the website. We also collect personal information from direct contact by email or through our Facebook page. When filling in the booking form, we ask for your name, address, email address, and telephone number. Subscribers to our membership will be automatically added to an email mailing list to receive regular news and updates.
Individual rights over personal information
You have the right to be informed about information held by us about you and to have access upon your request to that information from us within one month of requesting it. It is your right to have information rectified if it is incorrect or to be erased if you request us to do so.
Information sharing and disclosure
We do not rent, sell or share personal information about you with anyone. We will use reasonable efforts to ensure that your personal data is not disclosed to regional/national institutions and authorities, unless required by law or other regulations.
Changes to this privacy policy
We may update this policy. We will notify you about significant changes in the way we treat personal information by placing a prominent notice on our website.
To see a copy of our relevant policies, procedures and insurance, please go to:
Information - WEST SUFFOLK HIVE CIC
Nature Explorers Stay & Play Family Sessions
Wednesdays 10am - 12pm
Wednesdays 10am - 12pm
Join us for our stay and play sessions at the Hive!
Our log cabin will be filled with crafts, games and activities, plus hot drinks for parents and guardians!
There are plenty of things to do in the woods and on the meadow including a mud kitchen, hammocks, fire circle and tyre swing, and it is the perfect time to see birds and insects. Come prepared for mud and water!!
Suitable for families with all ages (we know the grown ups like colouring too...)
To ensure these sessions can continue, booking is required so we know if the session can go ahead. Participants will be notified if the session has to be cancelled for any reason. There is a surcharge for booking individual sessions so we recommend that you book a block of three sessions where possible. Please take care on the roads getting to and from the Hive and park on the mats in the car park to avoid getting stuck! Please remember that these sessions your children remain your responsibility during your visit and must stay within your sight. Our staff are here to help and to provide activities and inspiration. Please make sure you supervise your children at all times, especially near water and the fire.
Grab your coat and wellies or your sunhat and suncream and come and have a cuppa and a play with us!
Sessions are Wednesdays from 10am-12pm
£18 per family for 3 sessions (for Hive members) and £25.50 for non-members. Individual sessions can be booked for an extra £1 per session. Please buy tickets for the date when you want your block of 3 to start or the specific session you want to attend.
Booking for these sessions available at https://buytickets.at/westsuffolkhivecic
Our log cabin will be filled with crafts, games and activities, plus hot drinks for parents and guardians!
There are plenty of things to do in the woods and on the meadow including a mud kitchen, hammocks, fire circle and tyre swing, and it is the perfect time to see birds and insects. Come prepared for mud and water!!
Suitable for families with all ages (we know the grown ups like colouring too...)
To ensure these sessions can continue, booking is required so we know if the session can go ahead. Participants will be notified if the session has to be cancelled for any reason. There is a surcharge for booking individual sessions so we recommend that you book a block of three sessions where possible. Please take care on the roads getting to and from the Hive and park on the mats in the car park to avoid getting stuck! Please remember that these sessions your children remain your responsibility during your visit and must stay within your sight. Our staff are here to help and to provide activities and inspiration. Please make sure you supervise your children at all times, especially near water and the fire.
Grab your coat and wellies or your sunhat and suncream and come and have a cuppa and a play with us!
Sessions are Wednesdays from 10am-12pm
£18 per family for 3 sessions (for Hive members) and £25.50 for non-members. Individual sessions can be booked for an extra £1 per session. Please buy tickets for the date when you want your block of 3 to start or the specific session you want to attend.
Booking for these sessions available at https://buytickets.at/westsuffolkhivecic
Hive Eco Kids
Mondays 2-4pm for 6-11years*
(*approximate age for suitability)
FULLY BOOKED FOR THIS TERM
Mondays 2-4pm for 6-11years*
(*approximate age for suitability)
FULLY BOOKED FOR THIS TERM
Hive Eco Kids is an opportunity for home-educated children to get involved at the site learning about conservation, gardening, biology, ecology and natural arts and crafts. With visits from guest tutors, each session will have a connection to nature, from building fences and nest boxes to propagating and cultivating seeds, to bird watching and pond dipping.
These sessions are for unaccompanied home-educated children (parents who are volunteering at the session are welcome to stay!). Children will need to be dressed appropriately for working outdoors in all weather, and parents must inform us of any accessibility issues or relevant medical conditions or allergies you feel we should know about. There will always be a qualified first aider present at the site. Please ensure your child a water bottle and a snack with them, we can provide a hot drink during the session.
We hope that these children will enjoy learning about caring for the environment and picking up some creative skills along the way. We will be inviting various visitors to offer tuition, including topics such as pottery, woodwork, archery, cooking and gardening.
£14 per session for Hive members. (£17.50 for non members) 25% discount for siblings.
(Booking is for a half term block of sessions)
Please email us if you would like to join these sessions or to be added to the waiting list
These sessions are for unaccompanied home-educated children (parents who are volunteering at the session are welcome to stay!). Children will need to be dressed appropriately for working outdoors in all weather, and parents must inform us of any accessibility issues or relevant medical conditions or allergies you feel we should know about. There will always be a qualified first aider present at the site. Please ensure your child a water bottle and a snack with them, we can provide a hot drink during the session.
We hope that these children will enjoy learning about caring for the environment and picking up some creative skills along the way. We will be inviting various visitors to offer tuition, including topics such as pottery, woodwork, archery, cooking and gardening.
£14 per session for Hive members. (£17.50 for non members) 25% discount for siblings.
(Booking is for a half term block of sessions)
Please email us if you would like to join these sessions or to be added to the waiting list
Hive Teens
Fridays 9.00 - 11.30am (Monthly) for 12+ years
Hive Teens for home educated children aged 12yrs+ is run by forest school leaders on The Hive site with access to our meadow & woodland spaces. The children will have opportunities to undertake site maintenance & gardening such as dead-hedging & planting, there will be lots of outdoor play with natural resources, hammocks, rope work, tool use, campfire cooking, games as well as arts & crafts available. This will be a mainly unstructured session in a child led environment where we can try to facilitate their ideas.
We have a heated indoor cabin & a compost WC on site.
Each session is £20 per person (for current Hive Members - £22 for non-members)
Dates for Autumn 2025 - Friday 17th October, Friday 21st November
We have a heated indoor cabin & a compost WC on site.
Each session is £20 per person (for current Hive Members - £22 for non-members)
Dates for Autumn 2025 - Friday 17th October, Friday 21st November