School and youth groups

Geckos provide tailor-made sessions and courses for schools and youth groups (minimum age 9 years):

One-off introductory sessions
Courses running over a number of weeks
Weekly clubs
GCSE & DofE
Pre-assessment training

Up to 24 young people can be taught at a time, in groups of no more than 6 per instructor. We are happy to tailor the learning outcomes to the particular group, but all will be taught the essential techniques of climbing, including all relevant safety aspects.

We have experience of teaching children and young people from a wide variety of organisations and institutions.

Courses can be run at most times during the week.

Please contact Geckos for more information, or to make a booking.

“Thanks again for yesterday. As always the boys gained so much out of it and left with big smiles on their faces.”
Lyndhurt House Schoool

“Just to say a big ‘Thank you’ to you and your instructors for the climbing on Monday. All the girls enjoyed it.”
Putney Guides

Important documentation

Online parental consent form for groups

Risk assessment

Child protection policy

Garden Conditions of use

About

The garden is based on the principles of permaculture design. We reuse and recycle materials as much as possible, compost waste, use organic growing techniques and have created habitats to support wildlife and promote biodiversity. The fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden are used in the centre’s café.

Please take some time to wander around; you can find out more about the different areas of our garden by reading the information boards.

Use of the Garden

Please be aware that other people may be using the garden to relax and enjoy some tranquillity.

Please respect the plants, insects and animals.

It is your responsibility to monitor the safety of your group and make sure that they are aware of the hazards.

Please take into consideration

The garden is a working garden; please keep to the paths, do not pick or eat anything, either in the beds or other in areas of the garden.

There are trip hazards, there may be construction materials stored here and occasionally there is work taking place.

Children and animals to be supervised at all times. Dogs, in particular, must be kept on a lead at all times and away from the growing beds. Please don’t allow dogs to foul in our garden- but if it does happen, please pick up and dispose the poo immediately.

There is a bee hive located between the Engine House (Café) and Boiler House (ground level) entrances. Do not disturb the bees.

There is a small pond in the SE corner of the garden- take special care in this area with small children.

Do not climb the trees.

Visitors who haven’t checked in to climb at reception are not permitted to climb in the centre or on the outdoor boulders. Children who are attending a group climbing session are only permitted to climb during the session under their instructor’s supervision.

Do not drink from the taps- some of these are untreated rainwater used for irrigation.

Please dispose of all rubbish and used dishes in the centre. If you have a large amount of recyclable material please ask reception or a duty manager who will be able to provide you with a large bag for the recyclables to go in.

There are a variety of plants in the garden, including some that sting or can make you ill- don’t touch anything you are unsure of.

Staff regularly monitor this area. Please report any incidents, problems or concerns to the Duty Manager.

There are men’s and women’s changing rooms with toilets inside the building (the women’s and an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities are on ground floor, the men’s is on the mezzanine floor).

There are water fountains in the centre.

If there is an incident or you require first aid please go to reception and they will contact the Duty Manager.