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:

The Living Rainforest

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Discover the rainforest's wonders as you stroll between tropical trees and plants, among free roaming butterflies and birds. An outdoor play area allows kids to let off steam, while adults can relax on the sun terrace with a cappuccino. All weather attraction with on site parking, cafe and shop.

On your visit, look out for free roaming lizards, birds and butterflies, you never know where they will appear next! See some of the world's most popular foods, from bananas to coffee, cocoa and ginger as well as plants that have changed the way we live today.

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College Lake Nature Reserve

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Get back to nature at this reserve, with over 1000 species recorded, there is always something to see. Free to visit.

College Lake Nature Reserve is thought of as one of the best places in Buckinghamshire to see water birds such as lapwings and redshanks.

There are a number of hides that overlook the lake and give you a great place to birdwatch.

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Farne Islands

Rocky islands, habitat for seals and many species of seabird
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

The Farne Islands are possibly the most exciting seabird colony in England with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 37,000 pairs of puffin.

It's also home to a large grey seal colony, with more than 1,000 pups born every autumn.

Historically, the islands have strong links with Celtic Christianity and St Cuthbert, who lived here in the 7th Century.

There's also a medieval pele tower and Victorian lighthouse here, plus a visitor centre and easy access boardwalk.

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The Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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One of 13 flagship nature reserves in the area with a beautiful trail that starts in an apple orchard, and passes a brook and a meadow. Lots of wildlife to enjoy, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and otters.

It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, plus it is open and all year and free to visit!

There is a great trail to follow, and if you would like some help navigating, a trail leaflet and a Family trail guide book are available to buy online or from the Information Centre near the entrance.

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Downs Banks

A little wilderness of woodlands and heath in the heart of the Midlands
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Downs Banks Brook is a beautiful babbling stream that runs the length of Downs Banks. Keep your eyes open and you may see the fantastic blue flash of a kingfisher.

There are far-reaching views from the highest point on the Downs. A rock pillar stands here and shows you what landmarks can be seen in the distance on a clear day. The Long Mynd (National Trust), Mow Cop Castle (National Trust,) the Wrekin (a prominent hill formed from an extinct volcano) and the Clee Hills are just some of the landmarks to look out for.

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Holmwood Common

Ancient common once owned by King Harold and William the Conqueror
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Holmwood Common is at the heart of the local community and is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by all. It’s just off the A24 (south of Dorking), so why not break a car journey south to the coast with a stop? Stretch your legs and explore...

Dappled woodland and sunny clearings greet you – beautiful countryside for walking, horse riding and cycling. The common is fairly flat and ideal for families to explore, but it can be wet underfoot. Great fun though for kids who like squelching in mud with their brightly coloured wellies.

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Linn of Tummel

Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

At the Linn of Tummel you can enjoy a beautiful circular woodland walk alongside the contrasting rivers of the slow flowing gentle Garry and the fast-flowing Tummel, rushing over rapids.

The property and its setting exemplifies the basic elements of the much-lauded Highland Perthshire scenery. There is a large area of mixed woodland and fields here, which are home to a rich variety of wildlife.

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Lisnabreeny

A picturesque walk from wooded glen to hilltop rath
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Lisnabreeny takes in wooded glen, estate and green field to the summit of the Castlereagh hills on the edge of east Belfast.

The path hugs the sides of Cregagh glen as it climbs through pools of sunlight cast by the trees. You’ll hear the waterfall, but also keep an eye out for the carpets of bluebell and wood anemone in spring.

Near the top of the glen, pause a moment at the memorial marking a temporary graveyard for American servicemen during the second world war.

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Threave Estate

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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The estate is split into four main elements:

Threave House, a restored Scottish baronial-style house;

Threave Garden, made up of landscaped gardens and themed 'rooms';

Threave Sculpture Garden, containing over 30 works by Scottish sculptors; and

Threave Nature Reserve, featuring landscape ranging from wetlands to woodlands.

Please contact the Ranger service for further information.

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Isle of Wight Zoo

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
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Our zoo has a variety of animals, but we specialise in two particular areas - tigers and lemurs. Our keepers have their own specific sections, which allows them to get to know the personalities of the animals in their care very well. Why not explore this section and find out which our of animals are the headstrong type, which are the softies and which like to keep the keepers on their toes?

Or you can find out how the keeper keep the animals on their toes with Environmental Enrichment - activities designed to stimulate natural behaviour. 

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