Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

What is it? 

Interactions with animals can vary immensely; they can range from big establishments with no animal contact such as zoos, small animals at a farm park. 

What does it involve?

The basis of all encounters with animals is to interact with them! Sometimes it may be from a distance to ensure safety on both sides, but you can often get up close; you can train and even ride some animals.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Spending time with animals has been proven to be beneficial in many aspects of life and development - it can teach things such as compassion, responsibility, and discipline for both yourself and others. 

What equipment do we need?

Depending on what sort of animal encounter it is, the equipment involved will vary. For example, riding a horse requires a lot more specialist equipment than stroking a cat! Make sure to check with your destination to see if you need to bring anything. 

Who is it suitable for?

Animal encounters are suitable for pretty much anyone - always be careful with smaller children though, as they may not understand how to handle them properly. 

Costs?

Can vary from free to reasonably expensive. Grounds that are open to the public and free to enter can often have wildlife roaming around to admire, but more extravagant establishments such as zoos with many more animals will undoubtedly cost more!

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Be aware of allergies when it comes to animal encounters; although mild allergies are much more common, the risk of a student having a severe reaction means you should exercise caution if there is going to be physical contact with an animal. 

How do we include?

It will depend entirely on the type of animal encounter, but in general these kinds of activities will be great to include all students in, as everyone can interact with an animal in some manner. 

Doing it abroad?

The variety of animals abroad will often vary greatly from our own, and encountering them can be a once in a lifetime opportunity! Foreign nature and safari parks can be great places to visit, so make sure to check out your destination thoroughly to see if there's one you can take a trip to.  

Main website: 

Check out individual websites for specific information on what's available for you to do!

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Little Dartmouth and Gallants Bower

Enjoy a walk along the tranquil Dart Estuary
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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A beautiful area with stunning views over the River Dart estuary and Start Bay.

In spring and summer the coastal paths are ablaze with colour from wild flowers. Walk up to Gallants Bower to discover the Royalist Civil War fort and keep an eye out for the greater spotted woodpecker.

Gallants Bower

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Erddig

Atmospheric house, featuring 485-hectare (1,200-acre) country park and formal walled garden
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Widely acclaimed as one of Britain's finest historic houses, Erddig is a fascinating yet unpretentious early 18th-century country house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years.

The extensive downstairs area contains Erddig's unique collection of servants' portraits, while the upstairs rooms are an amazing treasure trove of fine furniture, textiles and wallpapers.

Outside, an impressive range of outbuildings includes stables, smithy, joiners' shop and sawmill.

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Charlecote Park

Superb Tudor House and Landscape Deer Park
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Charlecote has been home to the Lucy family since the 12th century. Their stories are told throughout the house with their portraits as well as through the objects they collected from around the world. See the design influence they had on the house and parkland. Step into the house today and you will see how Mary Elizabeth Lucy spared no expense furnishing it in Victorian times.

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Kirkleatham Owl Centre

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Kirkleatham Owl Centre is home to one of the U.K.'s largest collection of owls. Located in the historic and tranquil village of Kirkleatham in the grounds of Kirkleatham Old Hall (Grade 2 Listed Building). 

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Parliament Piece

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

The name Parliament Piece is believed to relate to Henry III's parliament, which met in Kenilworth in 1266. There is, however, no evidence that the site was actually used by the parliament. The pond and other depressions are probably the remains of old marl or clay pits. Today, the grassland is managed as a traditional hay meadow with hay cut in late July and cattle grazing the aftermath for two or three months.

Species and Habitats

Habitats

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Dublin Zoo

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Opened in 1831, Dublin Zoo is one of the world's oldest and most popular zoos. It has been transformed in recent decades into a 28 hectare park of gardens, lakes and wonderful natural habitats for over 400 animals.

Many are rare species and their survival in the wild is under threat so many of our animals are part of international breeding programmes for endangered species.

Dublin Zoo is home to animals from all around the globe.

Education

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Witley Court

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Today, Witley Court is a large and impressive ruin, but 100 years ago it was in spectacular condition.

The rich industrialist Sir Herbert Smith bought the house in 1920 and lived there for 17 years until a devastating fire broke out in September 1937 while he was away.

The blaze began in the bakery in the basement of the south-east corner of the house. Fanned by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly to the main rooms, completely gutting the central and eastern sections.

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Burton Dassett Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Unspoilt, rolling hills – that’s what you will discover at Burton Dassett Hills. Whether you are walking, flying a kite or just sitting in your car, the magnificent views from these hills are breathtaking.

The site comprises a series of rugged hilltops affording spectacular views in all directions and Fox Covert, a small woodland with a surfaced footpath.

Opened as a country park in 1971, the 100 acres contain a wealth of historical interest such as the prominent beacon, quarry remains and the nearby 12th Century All Saints Church.

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Birmingham Nature Centre

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Home to a wide range of animals from across the world. These animals include many charismatic and exciting species like meerkats, lemurs and otters. The Centre has a wide collection of endangered reptiles.

These animals include many charismatic and exciting species like meerkats, lemurs and otters. The Centre has a wide collection of endangered reptiles, and it plays an important role in international breeding programmes for them.

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Drusillas Park

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
0

Enjoy a great family day out at one of the top tourist attractions in East Sussex. Drusillas is widely regarded as the best small zoo in the country and we’ve created an animal and child friendly, family environment where the focus is always on involvement.

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