Licence No: A07/000007
Welcome to
The Donkey Den
For Equine Facilitated Learning and Forest School
Located at the foot of The Quantocks in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Donkey Den offers a supportive environment for children to enhance their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing by engaging with donkeys and immersing themselves in nature.
The Donkey Den is a registered Alternative Provision for Somerset, this ensures our services reach those who need them the most. Alongside this, we take referrals privately from parents/carers and other professionals.
We specialise in Equine Facilitated Learning and Forest School as well as offering other interventions for social, emotional and mental health support. We are an inclusive service and we cater for all children. Our Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Forest School sessions are bespoke and customised to meet the needs of each individual; hence why all sessions are 1:1 with an additional adult always available to support.
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) is connecting with donkeys to learn about ourselves. Through interactions with the donkey, we can learn new skills and develop existing ones. EFL promotes self-awareness, confidence, communication, empathy and resilience. It's about developing a relationship.
Our setting, which includes woods, fields and a stream, allows us to offer Forest School sessions. We strongly believe in the benefits of Forest School; engaging through positive experiences outdoors. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where all children feel safe to learn, explore, get creative and most importantly have fun!
At The Donkey Den we prioritise equine welfare, therefore consent from the donkey is always sought. The donkeys are our equal partners in the process. Our donkeys feel reassured, safe and respected by their environment, as they deserve.
Around the Den
What people say about us...
"He loves The Donkey Den! Both Claire and Caroline have made him feel so comfortable and at home from the start and he has settled in quickly. He enjoys every part of his sessions, from playing in the mud to cooking his own lunch on the campfire! He feels happy to talk openly about his feelings. He always looks forward to going back to The Donkey Den each week!"
Parent - July, 2025
"We have really noticed a difference in our child after he attends The Donkey Den. He leaves relaxed and happy and enjoys chatting about the time he’s spent with them. This is amazing progress and shows how his time there is helping with his confidence and anxieties."
Parent - March, 2025
"My son started going to The Donkey Den, following the death of his dad. As a result of this loss, he became anxious, especially about me (his mum) leaving him anywhere. When I took him to The Donkey Den, the improvement seemed almost instantaneous! It was absolutely what he needed - being outside! He was able to be around the donkeys (who are absolutely gorgeous!) and be amongst nature, doing lots of forest school type activities. I feel like I have my child back. Claire and Tash are both absolutely lovely, compassionate and understanding. This place is amazing and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone whose child is going through a difficult time."
Parent - March, 2025
%20(1).png)