The Ranch Dorset CIC
The Ranch Xtreme at The Ranch Dorset
Our relationship with The Green Goat & The Ranch Xtreme
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The Ranch Dorset and The Green Goat education provision operate as separate entities with separate governance, policies and responsibilities.
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Where appropriate—and only when it is compatible with welfare, safeguarding and risk controls—enrolled learners from The Green Goat’s education provision (The Ranch Xtreme) may be present on parts of the site under a pre-planned timetable and an inter-entity access agreement.
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This arrangement is designed so that:
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the sanctuary remains a private welfare setting, not a public-facing attraction; and
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learner attendance is controlled, supervised and documented as part of The Green Goat’s education provision.
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If you are a parent/carer seeking education information, please contact The Ranch Xtreme (The Green Goat) directly via the Alternative Provision links on this website or external channels.
Welcome to The Ranch Dorset
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We provide a lifelong haven for many rescued farm animals. Beyond our sanctuary, we passionately support challenging misconceptions and inspire compassionate education.
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The Ranch Dorset provides students with planned and timetabled opportunities to visit this green valley, as part of The Ranch Xtreme Alternative Provision and offers young people a unique opportunity to learn in a calm, outdoor setting.
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Access is purely for The Ranch Xtreme's enrolled learners/staff under controlled arrangements.
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Set within a rural environment and shaped by our relational, trauma-informed approach, the use of the outdoor space and green fields gives children and young people the chance to build confidence, develop trust and experience learning in a way that feels meaningful, practical and engaging.
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For some young people, being in nature and away from the pressures of a traditional classroom can make all the difference - learning is hands-on, nurturing and built around the individual.
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The Ranch Dorset sits separately from our wider Alternative Provision. Visits to the setting allows our young people to experience calmness and land based learning.
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Visits are curriculum-linked, pre-planned, and on an approved timetable (termly schedule).
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We know that no single approach works for every child. That is why we offer different pathways and environments, so that young people can access the kind of support and learning experience that works best for them.
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Many of our young people experience placement at each of our three settings during their timetable.​
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At The Ranch CIC, our work is made possible by the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, alongside learners undertaking work experience placements and vocational development opportunities in animal care. We work with partner organisations including KEITS apprenticeships, local colleges, and City & Guilds-linked Animal Care programmes to help provide meaningful, supervised experience within a supportive setting. These opportunities are designed to support education, skills development, confidence, and community engagement, while contributing to the day-to-day work of our CIC and the welfare of our animals.
A Sanctuary
At The Ranch Dorset, we believe every animal deserves a safe and enriching environment to thrive.
That’s why we’ve created a dedicated haven where our herd of rescued goats can play, learn, and enjoy mental and physical exercise.
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Goats are naturally curious, energetic, and full of personality, and love nothing more than exploring and socialising with their herd.
Without proper stimulation and the right environment however, they can become bored, stressed, and even destructive. Coombe Valley provides the perfect setting for these intelligent animals to express their natural behaviours, supporting both their mental and physical health.
We also know outdoor learning experiences can help children feel calmer, more confident and more connected. For some, stepping away from the pressures of a traditional classroom and into nature can make a real difference.
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Our learners are able to bring their learning to life by bringing what they have learned about animal adaptations, enrichment needs and the five freedoms, alongside biology and local geography with them on their timetabled visit to The Ranch Dorset.
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Experience Education
Design & Technology
By having a pre-planned visit to The Ranch Dorset, the students of The Ranch Xtreme are able to work on land based projects that can improve the lives of the rescue herd. Bringing in maths, measurements and design into real world context.
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For example:
Climbing frames
Goats are natural climbers, with specially shaped hooves designed for balance and grip. While The Ranch Dorset goats don’t have to scale mountains for food, their love of climbing remains strong! Students are able to plan purpose-built frames to provide them with endless opportunities to explore and exercise.
A seesaw and swing
Playtime is essential for keeping The Ranch Dorset goats happy and healthy. Research shows that goats enjoy interactive toys, and students of The Ranch Xtreme are able to build or virtually build seesaws and swings. These activities help them maintain balance, agility, and mental sharpness while having loads of fun! While the students are able to have fun designing concept models while attending their placements across different sites.
Log pile
A perfect example is a large log pile that doubles as a climbing spot and feeding area. By scattering food here The Ranch Dorset team can carry out daily health checks while giving the goats an engaging way to forage, just like they would in the wild, while the students discover mini beasts through Forest School with their outdoor educators!
A place where young people can feel safe to be themselves
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​Each placement is individual:
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outdoor education and nature-based activities
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communication and teamwork skills
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confidence-building opportunities
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therapeutic, relationship-based support
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practical learning tailored to the young person
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opportunities to reconnect with learning at their own pace.
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Welfare, safeguarding and biosecurity commitments
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We keep clear boundaries between welfare operations and education provision responsibilities, including:
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welfare-led routines and observation logs
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veterinary and professional care arrangements
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hygiene rules and handwashing expectations after any animal-contact activity and before eating
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controlled movement through designated areas only
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incident recording and continuous improvement
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Where learners are present, The Ranch Xtreme (The Green Goat) manages safeguarding requirements and supervision. The sanctuary manages animal welfare, husbandry and site biosecurity rules.
Support welfare
Donations help fund welfare essentials such as feed, bedding, fencing, habitat maintenance and veterinary costs.
Donations do not confer access.
Supporting us financially does not create any right to enter the site, attend sessions, or access animals.
We understand that choosing the right provision for your child is a big decision. At The Ranch Xtreme, we want families to feel reassured that young people are supported with warmth, care and understanding.
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We work hard to create an environment where children feel welcomed, where relationships matter and where progress can happen gently over time.
Sometimes that progress begins with something very simple: feeling calm, feeling accepted, and wanting to come back.
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Controlled access for enrolled learners
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Learner attendance on site at The Ranch Dorset is:
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limited to enrolled learners within The Green Goat (The Ranch Xtreme) provision only
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pre-planned and timetabled (no ad hoc attendance)
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supervised by approved staff under safeguarding procedures
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subject to written risk assessment and site rules
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adjusted or stopped immediately if animal welfare, weather, staffing, quarantine or safety makes it inappropriate
Animal welfare always comes first. Some areas remain permanently restricted.
Professional contact and authorised site access requests
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We welcome contact from authorised professionals and partners where it supports welfare and safe operations, including:
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veterinary professionals and allied animal health practitioners
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animal welfare organisations and statutory agencies
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regulators/inspectors and local authority officers
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essential contractors (fencing, utilities, waste, safety)
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emergency services
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How to request authorised site access:
Email: TheRanchDorsetCIC@theranchweymouth.com
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Please include:
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your organisation and role
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purpose of access
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preferred date/time window
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any safety requirements (PPE, vehicle access, clinical precautions)
We respond as quickly as we can, but welfare emergencies will always take priority.
FAQ
Are you open to the public?
No. Coombe Valley Sanctuary is not open to the general public.
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Do you accept general requests to enter the site?
No. Access is restricted to welfare operations, authorised professionals, and controlled learner attendance via The Green Goat’s/The Ranch Xtreme's provision.
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Does donating allow access?
No. Donations do not confer access or animal contact.
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Do you need licences or planning permission?
Requirements can depend on activities, species kept, and how land is used. We aim to operate responsibly and will engage with the local authority and professional advisers as needed.
This website does not provide legal advice. (For general information, GOV.UK pages explain council licensing routes for “keeping or training animals for exhibition” and for “keeping zoo animals”.)
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Why do you keep the sanctuary and education provision separate?
Separation clarifies responsibilities, strengthens governance, and supports welfare-led decision-making. It also ensures safeguarding, operational policies and finances are properly managed within each entity’s remit.
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Privacy note
If you contact us, we use the information you provide only to respond and manage welfare-related operations. We do not sell your data. We keep information only as long as necessary for safeguarding, welfare, regulatory and operational purposes.