
Welcome, Wildlings!
Welcome to Conkers Magical Earth Academy, a haven of creativity, connection, and wonder. Nestled in the heart of nature in the stunning Upton Country Park on the Dorset coast, our academy offers enchanting experiences for all ages, blending magic, learning, and adventure to inspire a deeper connection with yourself, the Earth, and the extraordinary possibilities of a connected life.
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Why we exist
Conkers Magical Earth Academy was born from my own journey of rediscovering the magic of life. After years of feeling disconnected in the fast-paced modern world, I found myself living in the forests of Scotland, reconnecting with nature and the sacred wisdom of the Earth. It was during this time that I encountered Merlin, on a train journey from London to Lindisfarne, whose guidance reignited my belief in magic, creativity, and the power of imagination.
After meeting Merlin, I embarked on a journey to reconnect with my own inner child. In a moment of deep remembrance, she reminded me of a promise we made at age six—that when we were big, we will start our own school. A school where nature is our classroom, movement is encouraged, and curious, questioning minds are celebrated. With this memory lighting the way, I opened the academy to create the kind of place I wished for as a child—a space where curiosity, intuition, wonder, and extra-sensory abilities are not just nurtured but celebrated. Here, we recognise that every child learns in their own way and at their own pace.
As Albert Einstein said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." At Conkers, we honour these differences, creating an environment where each child can discover and develop their unique gifts, free from the constraints of one-size-fits-all education. Inspired by my own return to Se and the deep sense of purpose I found through nature, I wanted to offer a sanctuary for others to explore their inner magic, their sensitivities to the subtle realms, and the limitless power of imagination—our true superpowers—while reconnecting with the natural rhythms of life.
What we believe
Conkers Magical Earth Academy is a space where the extraordinary is not only possible but embraced. It is a place where the old ways of learning are left behind, and new pathways open—pathways that honour the natural rhythms of life, the wisdom of the Earth, and the unique light within each individual. Here, we do not seek to mould children into predetermined shapes but to nurture the brilliance that already resides within them. We recognise that true learning does not happen in rigid structures but in the moments of wonder, the spark of curiosity, and the deep connection with the living world.
The academy exists as a sanctuary for those who feel the call of something greater—something beyond textbooks and tests. It is for those who have always sensed that there is more to life, more to discover, more to experience. Learning at Conkers is not about memorising facts or fitting into a system; it is about awakening to the magic that surrounds us. It is about allowing the imagination to lead the way, understanding that creativity, intuition, and connection to the unseen are not distractions but essential gifts that deserve to be nurtured.
We believe that education should be an adventure - one where every child is free to move, explore, question, and create. The natural world is our greatest teacher, and within it, we find lessons that no classroom can offer. The whispering of the trees, the dance of the ocean, the shifting patterns of the stars - each holds wisdom waiting to be remembered. When children are given the space to truly listen, they begin to hear the stories written in the land, the messages carried by the wind, and the deep knowing that lives in their own hearts.
What we know
We know that every child comes into this world already whole, already wise in ways our modern world has forgotten. We know that true education does not begin with curriculum, but with presence, with listening, and with trust in the unfolding of each soul’s unique path. We know that learning is not confined to four walls, and that some of the most important lessons come from the soil beneath our feet, the rhythm of the seasons, and the quiet whisperings of the heart.
We know that curiosity is sacred, that creativity is not a subject but a birthright, and that wonder is a doorway to deeper truths. We know that when children are given freedom, they flourish. When they are seen, they shine. When they are heard, they speak with ancient voices that carry the pulse of the Earth and the memory of stars.
We know that no child is here by accident, and that each one holds a thread of the great tapestry we are here to weave together. We know that a system built to measure worth through tests and conformity cannot hold the brilliance of a child whose spirit dances to the beat of the wild.
We know that the Earth is not a resource to be studied, but a living, breathing being to be revered. We know that the stars speak in silence, that the rivers remember, and that trees have stories written in their rings. We know that time spent in nature is never wasted, and that the deepest learning often comes in stillness, in laughter, and in play.
We know that imagination is not a distraction from reality, but a sacred key to remembering what is real. We know that play is the language of the soul, and that joy is an essential part of learning. We know that emotions are not obstacles, but guides — each one offering wisdom, depth, and the chance to know ourselves more fully.
We know that each child carries a piece of the great mystery within them, and that our role is not to teach that mystery away, but to protect it, honour it, and gently invite it forward with love, patience, and trust.
We know that the future depends on the children of today being given the space to grow, not into what the world demands, but into who they truly are.
This is what we know.
This is why we are here.
This is Conkers Magical Earth Academy.
Meet the Team
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Lisa Marie Kavanaugh
FOUNDER
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Babita Gill
GUIDE FOR SENSITIVE SOULS & EMOTIONAL WISDOM KEEPER. FOUNDER OF THE THREE SUNS HEALING MODALITY.
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Naomi Alice Tyrell
POTION MASTER & FOREST SCHOOL LEADER
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Holly
CHIEF ADVISOR & FREQUENCY HOLDER
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Stevie McCormick
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Lisa Kiely
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Katie Steinle
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Fortingall Yew Tree
The tree who created all of this.
https://sacredconnections.co.uk/index.php/fortingall-yew-tree/