Forest and Beach has been shortlisted in the South West Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business category of the Rural Business Awards 2018/19.

Forest and Beach, an outdoor learning company based in Beeson, near Beesands, was set up in 2013 by Andrea and Pete Moore, both Devon-based primary school teachers, has grown rapidly over the last five years providing many different outdoor experiences for both children and adults around the South Hams and further afield.

A large part of the company’s remit is to encourage children to ‘get outside’ and enjoy our beautiful coast and countryside at a time when children are spending less time outdoors than their parents did when they were young.

Over 400 children experienced a school camp at FaB in 2018 with 99 per cent of schools rebooking for 2019. FaB now has its regular schools bringing children each year to the centre.

As well as school camps the company offers school holiday activities for local and visiting children, Forest School in schools, Beach School, business days out, children’s parties, outdoor consultancy and venue hire.

Director Pete Moore said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for this Award especially being amongst some well established larger businesses in the same category. When we started FaB nearly five years ago we had no idea if it was going to be a success.

“We are ‘tucked away’ close to the coast and it is fantastic that parents and schools make the effort to come out to us to take part in what we offer and return regularly!”

Forest and Beach is also proud to team up with other local businesses, something both Andrea and Pete believe to be very important for the rural economy.

Director Andrea Moore said: “We love being involved with other rural businesses, Britannia at The Beach always provide a fantastic evening meal for our school campers, Stokeley Farm Shop provides our meat for those all important bacon baps in the morning and we team up with Singing Paddles for some amazing canoe experiences for the children!”

The final judging takes place in late July with the Award ceremony taking place at Bath Racecourse in October but, as Pete says, “just being nominated is a great achievement for our small family run business here in the South Hams”.