Licence No: A07/000007
Welcome to
The Donkey Den
ALTERNATIVE PROVISION
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 an approved provider on the Somerset Alternative Provision Framework, 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 grief support and other interventions for social, emotional and mental health support. We are an inclusive service and we cater for all children. Our sessions are bespoke and customised to meet the needs of each individual; hence why all our sessions are 1:1 with an additional adult always supporting.
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...
"She loved it! She told me all about the Donkeys and how good it felt to groom them. She also tells me she felt comfortable chatting with both Caroline and Claire . To feel so comfortable at a first visit somewhere is just fantastic, thank you. We had a much more chilled daughter yesterday evening. She's very much looking forward to her next visit. I am sure The Donkey Den is going to be a big positive for her."
Parent - June, 2026
"I am already finding my son's sessions are creating opportunities for him to reflect on himself, his behaviour and his ASD diagnosis. Whilst these feelings are not always easy for him to process, having the opportunity to discuss them in a non-judgmental safe space is proving invaluable."
Parent - April, 2026
"My son really benefits from The Donkey Den and has strong bonds with both Claire and Laurelle and feels comfortable to discuss thoughts and feelings that he isn't able to share in other settings. He is able to talk about his sight loss and is growing in confidence as a result of the sessions. "
Parent - July, 2026
"The Donkey Den has been an invaluable place for my son, offering a warm and friendly environment where he truly feels accepted. It gives him the freedom to express himself in ways that suit his complex needs, helping him build confidence and emotional resilience. The team provide thoughtful discussion and dedicated support particularly for children who have experienced bereavement, which has made a meaningful difference. Altogether it is a nurturing and supportive setting where he can grow, explore and feel understood. "
Parent - April, 2026
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