The Ranch Xtreme

The Ranch Xtreme at Dorset Falconry Park

Xtreme forms part of The Ranch Xtreme Alternative Provision, and although it offers a unique setting, it is led by the same team and rooted in the same relational, therapeutic approach that runs through all of our work.

Welcome to Xtreme

The Ranch Xtreme is part of our Alternative Provision and offers young people a unique opportunity to learn in a calm, outdoor setting at Dorset Falconry Park.

Set within a rural environment and shaped by our relational, trauma-informed approach, Xtreme gives children and young people the chance to build confidence, develop trust and experience learning in a way that feels meaningful, practical and engaging.

For some young people, being in nature and away from the pressures of a traditional classroom can make all the difference. At Xtreme, learning is hands-on, nurturing and built around the individual.

Xtreme sits within our wider Alternative Provision and reflects the same values that run through all of our work: safety, trust, belonging, connection and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.

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.

Many of our young people experience placement at each of our three settings during their timetable.

We are very much part of the same team, working together with a shared vision, shared values and the same child-centred approach.

We are one team across our provisions, working closely together to make sure every young person experiences the same sense of care, consistency and belonging.

Part of our Alternative Provision

At The Ranch Xtreme, young people can experience learning in a different way — outdoors, at their own pace, and in a setting where they can feel safe, supported and understood. Based at Dorset Falconry Park, Xtreme offers meaningful, hands-on opportunities that help build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.

Xtreme is one of the settings that sits within The Ranch Alternative Provision. It is part of our wider commitment to offering inclusive, meaningful education for children and young people who may need something different from mainstream environments.

We know outdoor learning experiences that can help them 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.

At The Ranch Xtreme, we believe young people thrive when they feel safe, welcomed and understood. Xtreme reflects that same approach, offering relationship-based support in an environment where children can be themselves, explore their strengths and begin to re-engage with learning.

A place where young people can feel safe to be themselves

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.

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.

Experience Education

Each placement is individual, but experiences at Xtreme may include:

learning through birds of prey and falconry experiences
animal care and welfare
outdoor education and nature-based activities
communication and teamwork skills
confidence-building opportunities
therapeutic, relationship-based support
practical learning tailored to the young person
opportunities to reconnect with learning at their own pace

Alternative Provision

A unique environment at Dorset Falconry Park

Based at Dorset Falconry Park in Lewell, near Dorchester, Xtreme brings together the benefits of outdoor education with the powerful experience of working alongside birds of prey and in a natural environment. Dorset Falconry Park describes itself as home to over 100 birds of prey, with a long-standing background in falconry and education.

This amazing setting can help young people to:

grow in confidence and self-belief
develop emotional regulation and resilience
build positive relationships with trusted adults
re-engage with learning through practical experiences
feel a sense of belonging, achievement and pride

Being outdoors can help reduce pressure and create space for children and young people to regulate, connect and engage. The setting also offers opportunities to experience learning in a more hands-on way, with sessions that encourage curiosity, responsibility, communication and confidence.

Xtreme's On Site Directors

Dorset Falconry Park was established in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Martin and Tara Ballam.

Martin has worked in falconry for over 40 years, gaining extensive experience across a range of collections. His journey began with Xtreme Falconry, an off-site display team and experience day company, but his long-term ambition was to create a setting that combined high standards of animal care with a strong commitment to conservation and education. Dorset Falconry Park was founded to realise that vision and to provide a dedicated home for the birds in his collection.

Tara is a qualified secondary school science teacher with a degree in Zoology. She has played an important role in supporting the development of the park and brings a strong educational focus to its work. She is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for children, young people and visitors to learn more about birds of prey, conservation and the natural environment.

Their three children, Philip, Connie and Elsie, are also actively involved in the life of the park. Philip supports much of the work behind the scenes, while Connie and Elsie are developing their own interest in promoting the conservation and education of raptors.

Together, they have created a setting that reflects both specialist falconry knowledge and a clear commitment to learning, engagement and conservation.

Dorset Falconry Park