preparing for your bioasis retreat
We hope you're looking forward to your adventure with us.
Below, you'll find all the information you need about getting here and away, kit, what to expect and more. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have questions or need anything further. We're here to help.
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Tel: 01392 984878
Email: missioncontrol@thebioasis.com
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Getting here and away
Due to the risk of infiltration by industrialists, the exact location of The Bioasis is a closely guarded secret! Please help us keep it that way.
The address and What Three Words for your arrival, unless otherwise notified by us, is: Moorshead Sawmills, Yealmpton, Devon, PL8 2ES
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We do not provide transportation to or from The Bioasis. If you require any assistance or have questions relating to your journey, please don’t hesitate to contact Mission Control.
Arriving by train:
The nearest railway station is Ivybridge which is about a 20 minute drive away. Local taxi companies are available, but they must be pre-booked, there is not a hail and ride taxi-rank outside the station. We can sometimes pick individuals up at Ivybridge station, but this depends on our operational obligations on the day. Please contact us to discuss. For carbon reasons, we are keen that people take the train when possible.
Arriving by car:
We have capacity for up to 6 cars at the above location, depending on the number of people attending your weekend, we may have to direct you to an alternative parking location. For parking and carbon reasons, we encourage car sharing whenever possible - please let us know if you would like us to put you in contact with someone else to arrange a potential lift.
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Please arrive ready for the off!
Please arrive ready to walk approximately an hour into basecamp. When we say 'ready' - we mean:
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Your main kitbag / rucksack is packed and ready to place in our 4x4,
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Your day sack is packed with water, waterproofs, sunhat/suncream.
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You're wearing long trousers (as there are ticks about) and your walking boots/shoes are easily accessible to change into.
Thank you!
Kit list
Hard wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty and/or wet are recommended. We don't let the weather stop activities unless it's super windy, so expect to be outside in all weathers, come rain or shine.
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We have a few sleeping bags available to use should you not have one of your own. Please contact missioncontrol@thebioasis.com if you would like to reserve one. Thanks.
Health, Diet and other Information
Ensuring we know what we're dealing with
Dietary, Medical and NOK Information
Please ensure we are notified of any medical, physical, cultural, dietary or behavioral requirements well in advance of your visit. You should have done this via our booking form when signing up to the retreat, but if any of the information has changed at all then please let us know.
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Mobile Phones & Communications
The Bioasis is an exceptional place and we know the impact it has is far greater if you can spend a couple of days away from your phone.
You are, of course, free to keep your phones with you, but we strongly encourage you to use them sparingly and, unless taking photos, we request use is kept to a minimum.
All groups use Push-To-Talk hand-held radios to communicate with leaders and mission control.
We provide charging points at all camps, powered by our solar systems.
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There is good 4G signal throughout most of The Bioasis.
Evenings & Overnight
Evenings and Overnight Duty
Each evening, typically around 9:00-9:30 PM, our staff finish for the day and go off-duty.
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At least one Bioasis staff member will remain at basecamp overnight for first aid, emergencies or other significant issues. Our staff work incredibly hard whilst managing these trips and rest and downtime is important, so we ask they are not disturbed at night unless in an emergency.
Bioasis Senior staff are also available remotely, or with vehicle-based support should it be necessary. For any issues, the basecamp duty staff should be your initial point of contact.​
Menu and Food
We believe in wholesome, freshly cooked food.
Serving fresh, nutritious and locally sourced food is a key part of every Bioasis retreat. Each basecamp is managed by an experienced Basecamp Catering Manager and all catering staff are certified in Food Hygiene, Food Standards Agency allergy and intolerance certifications, and adhere to our Food Safety Management System. We hold a Level 5 Food Hygiene rating - something we are particularly proud of given the remote, off-grid location of our basecamps.
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We keep our menu simple and wholesome by partnering with local providers like Riverford Organic, ensuring our food is fresh and as locally sourced as possible. Our menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients. We try and set menus two weeks prior to a group's arrival, which is why we ask that all dietary, medical and allergy forms are submitted ahead of this deadline.
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We are committed to creating inclusive dining experiences that cater to diverse dietary needs, whether they stem from cultural traditions, religious practices, or medical considerations. Our team is well-versed in preparing meals for a variety of preferences, including gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, allergen-sensitive, vegetarian and vegan diets.
First Aid, Emergencies and Evacuations
All Bioasis staff are trained in outdoor first aid and our emergency procedures.
First Aid
All our leaders and assistants carry a comprehensive first aid kit with them at all times. There are also first aid kits present at each basecamp, at our site office and in all our vehicles.
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​Evacuations
We have tried and tested evacuation procedures. The nearest A&E is Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Depending on time of day and the location on the incident on the estate, the evacuation time is usually between 30 minutes and one hour.
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Vomiting & Illness
If you become ill during your time with us, please notify us promptly so we can follow our Infection Prevention & Control policy.
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Ticks:
Ticks are present on the estate. We have effective measures in place to help mitigate and where necessary to respond to tick bites. Our tick policy includes:
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Long trousers and full-cover shoes must be worn at all times except when at basecamp.
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All individuals should undertake regular tick checks (when showering/using the bathroom/morning & evening routines)
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Brush down clothing when leaving the woods or long grass.
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If in doubt, ask!
Some useful links and information on ticks include:
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/tag/ticks/
https://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/
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Code of Conduct
By booking a Bioasis Retreat, all participants agree to uphold the following principles:
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Care for Self and Others: I will take reasonable care of my own safety and wellbeing, as well as that of others.
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Compliance with Instructions: I will follow the guidance and instructions provided by the leadership team and promptly raise any concerns regarding the safety, health, or wellbeing of myself or others.
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Prohibited Behaviors: I will not use unprescribed substances, engage in sexual relations, or partake in any illegal activities while participating in a Bioasis Mission.
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Respect for Others: I will respect the need for peace and quiet, particularly during night time, and will act in line with local customs, laws and cultural expectations.
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Environmental Responsibility: I will show respect for the natural environment and strive to minimize any negative impact.
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Respect for Property: I will care for any property or equipment provided to me and respect the belongings of others.
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Safety Commitment: I will not act in a way that compromises the safety of any student, staff member, or individual involved in the mission.
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Participants acknowledge that failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in them being asked to leave our site. In such cases, no refund will be provided for unused services.
Health and Safety
Looking after you and our staff
We appreciate some people may want lots of information about how we manage safety, and others, well, not so much! If you would like to know more, you can view our Safety Management System and Risk Assessments via the links below.
Safety Management System:
Our SMS is designed to proactively manage risks and safeguard the well-being of both clients and staff, ensuring a secure, safe and fun working and learning environment. It establishes a clear framework for adhering to safety policies, with strong backing from senior leadership to drive compliance and accountability.
Risk Assessments:
The Bioasis conducts comprehensive risk assessments that encompass all missions, key activities, accommodation, vehicles, dining and immersion areas. These assessments are created at the start of each season and reviewed promptly in the event of significant changes. In addition to being thoroughly reviewed by our own experienced team, we hold the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, and are also externally inspected and audited by BAPA and AALA. For custom risk assessments tailored to the specific needs of your school, please get in touch with Mission Control.
Acceptance of Risk
Bioasis Missions include adventurous activities such as canoeing and involve accepted exposure to a level of risk, challenge and adventure greater than that normally encountered in everyday life. These are all managed within national guidelines with qualified, experienced staff and comprehensive safety management processes, but it cannot be guaranteed that all possibility of resultant injury to participants, or others, is eliminated.
Insurance
The Bioasis has £5,000,000 public liability insurance for its operations.
Our cover is held with Activities Industry Mutual (AIM).
If you wish to take out personal travel insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment, then they should arrange this yourself.
We encourage you to insure the value of your booking in terms of pre-departure cancellation costs. This may be covered already on your school or each family’s travel insurance policy. It is each individual’s responsibility to insure possessions when travelling with us.
Complaints
We want you and your students to have a fantastic time whilst at The Bioasis.
We cannot fix what we don't know about, so we encourage you to talk to our staff about any issues you may have. We will work our hardest to ensure they are resolved to your satisfaction.
If a problem or complaint arises during your trip, the Participant and/or teacher must immediately report it to your mission leadership team looking after you on basecamp. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact Elliott Montgomery (Programmes Manager) or Tara Lomax (Operations Manager) through the Duty Phone. This ensures prompt and effective efforts to resolve the issue. If your complaint is still not resolved, please contact Adrian Ferraro.
If the problem cannot be resolved during the trip and the Participant wishes to file a formal complaint, The Bioasis must receive full written details within 28 days of the Trip Programme’s conclusion. The complaint should include the Participant’s full name, departure date, and both daytime and evening contact numbers. Failure to follow these steps may hinder The Bioasis’ ability to address or fully investigate the issue, and any right to compensation may be lost or reduced.
In the event of a dispute between the Participant and a member of the Mission Leadership Team, The Bioasis will determine the resolution, usually following discussion with all parties. The decision of The Bioasis will be final.
Whistleblowing Policy
The Bioasis is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, safety and transparency in all our operations. This Whistleblowing Policy aims to provide a clear framework for employees, contractors and stakeholders to report concerns about unethical, illegal or unsafe practices without fear of retaliation.
