REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENT APPROACH TO OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN NEW FOREST & DORSET
We are a small specialist provider, not a large scale commercial activity centre.
As a group of passionate outdoor instructors, we aim to engage people in the great outdoors and nature through providing unique, fun and insightful outdoor activities in the New Forest and Dorset.
Our rustic and secluded woodland locations are thoughtfully set-up to provide excellent ranges and activity bases whilst fitting in harmoniously with the woodland, we’ve been described as a “Robin Hood’s” camp in the woods on more than a few occasions!
Essentially: Quality equipment and coaching, rustic natural woodlands, authentic activities and friendly experienced staff would best describe Insight Activities.
Our Core beliefs are: Quality coaching for all by highly qualified, experienced and passionate staff with small group ratios and long activity sessions.
We only invest in top quality equipment and offer fair pricing that delivers great value for money.
We respect individual needs and tailor our approach to accommodate. We aim to build confidence in individuals and always work within our core ethic of respecting the environment, and of course aim to do that whilst having lots of fun!
Ken
Ken is the owner and will be on the end of the phone to help with any advice and bookings assistance. With over 20 years experience working in the outdoor activity industry as an instructor, facilitator and technical consultant, you’re in good hands. Areas of expertise include Archery, Climbing and Bushcraft skills as well as vast experience in the delivery of team building programmes. A patient and encouraging character, he always seeks to support people and help them achieve their potential.
Glenn
‘Glenn the Nature Viking’ is our woodland Operations Coordinator and chief staff trainer. He is engaging, thoughtful, compassionate and always goes the extra mile to help people. With over 20 years experience in outdoor education, he is an Accredited Practitioner in Outdoor Learning (APIOL) and a Forest School Leader. He has a keen interest in the wellbeing of people and in the natural world. In his spare time Glenn has other interests in folklore, and also makes drums and runs fire drumming workshops. Apologies in advance for his bad dad jokes, they might even be in Norwegian!
Josh
Josh is a native to the Forests of Southern England, whose fascination with the natural world began early.
After years of ongoing learning and a decade working in the industry, he has gone on to teach outdoor and environmental education to students in some of the harshest environments on earth.
Josh is a mountain leader, bushcraft and wilderness survival instructor, international expedition leader, paddle sport leader and instructor of traditional archery. Whether in the ancient woodlands of the South, the mountains of Peru, or the frozen tundra of the arctic North, Josh applies a naturalist’s focus to his teaching.
Charlie
Charlie is our mascot cocker spaniel and used to be found on most activity sessions. He’s ageing somewhat now so generally entertains himself by chewing a stick and never loses his enthusiasm for a cuddle. He is very well behaved with a gentle temperament and has helped many overcome their fear of dogs! All our activities are dog friendly activities in the New Forest and in Dorset – nobody needs to get left behind, well behaved dogs welcome.
Associate Freelance Instructors
Our core team also works with many talented freelance instructors.
As much of our staffing demand is seasonal, we are always on the look-out for passionate skilled and seasoned pros to join our awesome team!
If you have the skills required and the desire to get involved, then then please get in touch.
Thanks,
Ken & the Insight team
ABOUT US - ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
At Insight Activities we work in the natural environment, engaging our clients in medieval target sports, bushcraft, and other outdoor activities in the New Forest and Dorset.
Our two lush woodlands compile of a variety of habitats:
Dorset
This site has a diverse habitat and structure, from an undulating mixed ancient woodland to a wild meadow and two ancient burial mounds. The sites are home to a wide variety of species from fungi, roe deer, rare flowers, bats, birds and badgers.
New Forest
Nestled on the edge of the New Forest, this site is a combination of Larch and mixed broadleaf woodland, giving rise to being a home to mammals, birds, plants and fungi. Set in a natural gravel bed it is free draining and carpeted in bluebelles in early spring.
Our Sites’ Environmental Policy
- We monitor and maintain our habitats to the highest possible standards
- We have respect for the natural world and all its communities, and monitor our impact, especially during the breeding and migration seasons
- We vary our routes where possible so as not to cause damage to root structures.
OUR ACTIVITIES ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Our woodlands are our livelihoods, and we endeavour to look after them and ensure that we have minimal impact, therefore:
- Our operations are as sustainable as possible
- We aim to leave no trace as we move across our site
- We encourage our clients to recycle and reuse whist at our sites and on activities
- Spent equipment is recycled or reused where possible
- We aim to buy our products and equipment locally so as to minimise impact on the larger world
Link Gallery
The Green Leaf Scheme recognises tourism businesses that deliver a more responsible, net zero operation. Responsible Travel, Responsible Visiting, Food & Local Produce, Energy Efficiency, Waste, Water & Re-cycling, Land Use & Nature Conservation