About Wildman Adventures
Wildman Adventures exists to inspire confidence, resilience and a lifelong connection with nature by delivering safe, inclusive and purposeful outdoor adventures that help every individual discover what they are capable of.
Wildman Adventures Limited is a registered company which aims to provide high quality outdoor learning experiences and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Based in the North of Hampshire on the Borders of Surrey and Berkshire, we work primarily with schools and colleges to deliver bespoke training and expedition solutions. The Wildman Adventures team have over one hundred years of combined experience delivering outdoor learning experiences to our clients for other providers. Wildman Adventures was born from a passion for sharing Outdoor learning experiences, teaching transferable life skills as well as supporting the development and growth of young people doing their DofE Award.
Our Moral Compass
Wildman Adventure is guided by a clearly defined set of company values. These are;
North: Adventure with Purpose
East: Kindness and Inclusion
South: Respect for Each Other and Our Environment
West: Integrity in Everything we do
For Wildman Adventures, this means that every journey has a meaningful outcome beyond simply having fun or reaching a destination. It reminds us of the importance for personal growth, learning, connection and making a positive impact on ourselves, others and the environment.
Finally this means being honest, trustworthy, and accountable in all of our actions and decisions. It is about doing the right thing and learning from our mistakes.
This means creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, supported, and able to participate regardless of their background, experience, ability, or confidence level. It's about recognising that outdoor learning should be accessible to everyone and that the way we treat people matters just as much as the activities we deliver.
This means recognising that people and nature are at the heart of all of our activities. We care for one another, value different perspectives, and take responsibility for protecting the places we explore for future generations. Its important to acknowledge that great outdoor are only possible when we look after both our team and the natural world around us.
About the Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Now in it's 70th year, The Duke of Edinburgh Award was first launched by HRH Prince Philip in 1956. Inspired by desire to end post-war apathy in Britian, The programme was orginally designed to support boys leaving formal education, before they starting National Service at age 18. The award aimed to build self-confidence and a sense of purpose to support them into their future. Prince Philip believed, would improve their skills and equip them to make valuable contributions to their communities and society.
Two years later a girls programme was introduced and by 1974, the number of young people starting their award reached 1 million worldwide.
In 1980, a new programme format was created meaning all young people now completed the same four sections: Volunteering , Expedition, Skills and Physical Recreation plus Residential for Gold.
In 2023 Prince Edward (a Gold Award holder himself) became Prince Philip's sucessor as the Duke of Edinburgh. The award has evolved over the years and still continues to grow and support local communities. In 2025 an estimated 5 million volenteering hours were given by young people completing their awards.
Today the award is accessible to all young people regardless of their background. Participants must be between 13.5 years old and the award must be completed before their 25th Birthday. There are three levels each offering a unique and progressive challenge. See below for more information about each award level.
Bronze Award
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Participants can start in Year 9 (13-14)
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The Bronze Award is made up of 4 sections; Skills, Volunteering, Physical and Expedition
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All Sections: 3 months (13 weeks) on each plus an extra 3 months on one section (6 months / 26weeks)
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Expedition: 2 days / 1 nights (6 hours of walking per day, typically 13-16km)
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Expedition area's include Farnham (Surrey), South Downs or New Forest
Silver Award
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Participants can start in Year 10 (14-15)
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The Silver Award is made up of 4 sections; Skills, Volunteering, Physical and Expedition
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Volunteering Section: 6 months (26 weeks)
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Physical and Skills Sections: One section needs to be 6 months and the other section 3 months (13 weeks)
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Expedition: 3 days / 2 nights (7 hours of walking per day, typically 16-20km)
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Expedition area's include: New Forest, Isle of Purbeck or Exmoor
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Participants can start at 16 years old
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The Gold Award is made up of 5 sections; Skills, Volunteering, Physical, Expedition and Residential
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Volunteering Section: 12 months (52 weeks)
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Physical and Skills Sections: One section 12 months and the other section 6 months (26 weeks)
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Expedition: 4 Days / 3 nights (8 hours of walking per day, typically 18-24km)
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Expedition area’s include: Dartmoor, Brecon Beacons or Lake District