Random's Retreat CIC

Random's Retreat CIC Random's Retreat, where Natural Living meets Natural Learning. Come and experience the real outdoors Welcome to Random's Retreat.
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We are a natural learning centre based in Medomsley on the outskirts of Consett. We believe in all things outdoors, allowing everyone to learn and play in nature and with our animals. Please feel free to visit our website in the links on this page to find out more.

There’s something special about those quiet moments outdoors, when the air is soft, the trees stand like guardians, and ...
22/11/2025

There’s something special about those quiet moments outdoors, when the air is soft, the trees stand like guardians, and the world finally feels simple again.

Surrounded by animals who move with instinct and honesty, and friends who bring comfort just by being there.

In nature’s stillness, It reminds us of who we are at our core: grounded, grateful, and deeply connected to the world around us. 🌿🐾✨

We've been super quiet with our updates and daily pictures, especially with all this beautiful (but cold) snow showing u...
22/11/2025

We've been super quiet with our updates and daily pictures, especially with all this beautiful (but cold) snow showing up. 🥶🌨️

This weather is lovely, and we all know winter's here, but it can also make daily chores a real pain. 😩🧹
❄️Frozen water troughs and bottles, 🧊💧
❄️extra bedding 🛏️
❄️insulation needed for all our small animals 🐹🏡
❄️keeping the birds indoors out of the cold 🐦🏠
❄️extra food so their bodies can work harder to keep themselves warm 🍲🔥
❄️extra checks to make sure everyone's doing okay 👀👍

It takes a lot of time and energy, and then we have to go home and warm up and take care of ourselves! 🛀

BUT we also get to see some awesome stuff... 🤩✨

Our local wildlife leaves tracks, so we can actually see who's been visiting: rabbits, mice, deer, and Mr. fox. 🐾🦌🦊

The marks in the snow from the birds of prey swooping down to grab their dinner. We've got sparrowhawks, kites, tawny and barn owls, and tons more. 🦅🦉🍽️

Seeing the tracks showing where the herd goes to rest, to play, to dig for grass. We thought they just hung out at the hay... but look at all those trips through the snow in one evening!!! 🐄🚶‍♀️❄️

What do you love most about our amazing winter weather? 💖🌨️

Who's joining us tomorrow?Every Saturday, we’re diving into the hidden jobs our farmers do to help animals and nature th...
21/11/2025

Who's joining us tomorrow?

Every Saturday, we’re diving into the hidden jobs our farmers do to help animals and nature thrive. Each month follows a themed programme packed with activities like animal care, rewilding, recycling, crafts, and more! Expect fresh air, muddy boots, and lots of learning through fun.

Get muddy, learn and have fun! To book your child's spot: https://bookwhen.com/randomsretreat =ev-sp4o-20251122220000

Another wonderful review! We truly love being able to share our knowledge, whether it’s your very first visit with us or...
21/11/2025

Another wonderful review! We truly love being able to share our knowledge, whether it’s your very first visit with us or your fiftieth. Every experience is a chance to connect, grow, and learn together.

Learning never stops here, it’s what allows us to keep improving and sharing even more with you

For more information on what we do, visit our website below.

Our little ones love grooming our herd and the best part is, the herd loves it just as much! It’s such a lovely way for ...
21/11/2025

Our little ones love grooming our herd and the best part is, the herd loves it just as much! It’s such a lovely way for everyone to bond.

Who’s your favourite horse to groom?

If only it was that easy when you went to the hairdressers 😂
21/11/2025

If only it was that easy when you went to the hairdressers 😂

Our final day focuses on practical considerations for implementing EAL and what parents and educators can expect. Our pr...
21/11/2025

Our final day focuses on practical considerations for implementing EAL and what parents and educators can expect.

Our programs are facilitated by certified professionals with experience working with children with SEND.

We have expertise in both equine behaviour and special education needs.

Typical EAL sessions involve a variety of activities, such as:

Grooming: Brushing and caring for the horse.

Leading: Guiding the horse through an obstacle course.

Team Challenges: Working together to solve problems with the horse.

Observation: Simply spending time observing the horse's behaviour.

Parents and educators can expect to see gradual improvements in a child's emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence over time.
It's important to remember that EAL is not a quick fix but a process that requires patience and consistency.

Positive reinforcement and collaboration between facilitators, parents, and educators are key to maximizing the benefits of EAL.

What to Expect:
Increased self-esteem 😊✨🥳
Improved communication skills 🗣️🤝
Greater emotional awareness 🧠💖🧘
Enhanced social interaction 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🎉😎

🌟 We have a new session starting tomorrow at 2pm!🌟❤️🐓🐔Critter Creations🐹🦨🐑❤️ 🥰😊🐾 Wanna meet a friendly ferret? 🥰😊🐾 They ...
20/11/2025

🌟 We have a new session starting tomorrow at 2pm!🌟

❤️🐓🐔Critter Creations🐹🦨🐑❤️

🥰😊🐾 Wanna meet a friendly ferret? 🥰😊🐾
They absolutely love to run, play, and explore! Our ferrets have the best time going for walks on their harness, adventuring in the barn, playing in their tunnels and ball pit!!

❤️🦨🐹 How about Cavy Cuddles 🐓🐔❤️
Our Guinea pigs are always curious to meet our visitors, have cuddles and get brushed. Listen to them squeak and chatter or feel them vibrate to communicate. They love to enjoy their treats on your knee too.

❤️🐔🐓 Finally our feathered friends🦆🐹🐾❤️
Wether your quackers about ducks or a crazy chicken lover you can come and feed and get to know our flock and even enjoy some Cuddles!!

We can cuddle and learn about our mini creatures with fab crafting in the barn and worksheets telling us all about them.

If you want to spend 30 minutes hanging out with them, enjoying their playful antics and getting some cuddles ❤️, now’s the time to book.

Spots are limited each week, and they fill up fast! 🤩🥳Check the link 👇👇👇👇👇 to book your spot🐾

Today, we delve deeper into the specific benefits of EAL for children with SEND. 🧠📚✨EAL can significantly improve variou...
20/11/2025

Today, we delve deeper into the specific benefits of EAL for children with SEND. 🧠📚✨

EAL can significantly improve various aspects of a child's development: 🌟🌱👧

Emotional Regulation: Horses mirror human emotions, helping children become more aware of their feelings and develop strategies for managing them.

Social Skills: EAL provides opportunities to practice communication, cooperation, and teamwork. Activities often require children to work together, fostering empathy and understanding.

Confidence Building: Mastering tasks with horses, no matter how small, can significantly boost a child's self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

Sensory Integration: The multi-sensory environment of a horse farm can be incredibly beneficial for children with sensory processing difficulties. The sights, sounds, smells, and tactile experiences can help regulate sensory input.

Focus and Attention: Interacting with horses requires focus and attention, helping children improve their concentration skills.

UK Statistic 1: According to research by The Horse Trust, 74% of children with autism showed improved social interaction skills after participating in EAL programs.

UK Statistic 2: A study by Warwick University found that EAL reduced anxiety levels in children with learning disabilities by an average of 30%.

UK Statistic 3: Research from Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) indicates that EAL can improve gross motor skills in children with cerebral palsy by up to 20%.

Every day of our lives here 😂 And we wouldn't have it any other way!😍
20/11/2025

Every day of our lives here 😂 And we wouldn't have it any other way!😍

With this cold weather arriving, it's always good to know how our horses stay warm during the winter. Their bodies have ...
20/11/2025

With this cold weather arriving, it's always good to know how our horses stay warm during the winter. Their bodies have lots of natural insulation and features that help them to stay warm. Pretty amazing, isn't it!

20/11/2025

Winter has definitely arrived here in Consett!
Our question for you is: Do you enjoy the cold weather?
Some of us love it, while others… not so much.

What are your thoughts?

Address

Behind 52 Fines Road, Medomsley
Consett
DH86QS

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+447586714493

Website

http://www.bookwhen.com/randomsretreat

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