Over Easter weekend we wanted to make the most of family activities that we could do for free near to where we live in Kent! On Saturday morning we went along to do the Pepenbury Woodland Walk.
Both Babs and I were very aware of Pepenbury because we had been there on many occasions in our previous job roles. However, neither of us knew about the woodland walk and the amount you can do there!
Pepenbury provides care for adults with learning disabilities through day services and supported living. All of the animals we saw at Pepenbury are looked after by the service users. The plants have all been grown by the service users and the coffee shop is usually run with the assistance of the service users.
As it was Easter Weekend the coffee shop was shut but usually it is open over the weekends. The nursery is also usually open selling plants that have been grown at Pepenbury.
The Animals and Outdoor Gym!
When first arriving, there is a small barn that is full of small animals. There are at least 10 rabbits and 20 guinea pigs! Lola loved watching them all especially as one of her favourite animals at the moment is a rabbit! She also loved the beginning of the walk the huge enclosure with lots of chickens and a couple of ducks!
Once we visited the small barn we had a quick play on the outdoor gym equipment. We didn’t spend long on it because it’s for older children/adults. It’s also not the easiest thing to do when you have a one year old wanting to go on it with you!
The walk is perfect for all ages! We went for the shortest easiest walk so that it meant we didn’t have to take the buggy! It is however fully accessible for buggys or wheelchairs. After seeing all the animals there is a short walk through a field (with a walkway) before you reach the woodland. Lola obviously didn’t see the point of staying on the path and was more interested in going and picking the dandelions and daisys!
The Woodland Walk
Once we reached the woods we decided to stay on the path and do the short walk. The walk is brilliant with signs telling you everything you need to know. Including what animals you could see, what flowers you could see and our favourite was the outdoor instruments!
Once reaching the centre of the woods there is a huge playarea! Including a little maze, some swings and other play equipment. We were lucky that as we were the only people there Lola was able to keep running between everything! I can imagine during the summer it can get very busy!
We easily spent an hour and half there but I know that if we were to go along when the coffee shop is open we would be there a lot longer. We certainly plan on going back to the Pepenbury Woodland Walk with a picnic! There are plenty of picnic benches in the Woodlands as well as by the outdoor gym!
Naomi xx