An award-winning attraction with plenty for everyone to see and do, including our huge indoor adventure play area ‘DINOMITE’, plenty of animal handling sessions, large outdoor play areas, the Secret Animal Garden and Deer Safari, as well as the Dinosaur Trail and Neanderthal Walk.
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!
Venues with this Activity
“Go Wild” at Dinosaur Adventure and treat your pupils to a monster day out!
Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park
Welcome to Lyme Park. Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park was once home to the Legh family and, in its heyday a great sporting estate.
Somerset's top award-winning farm attraction
Now into our 25th year as a family run farm attraction, all the animals and staff at Court Farm are looking forward to welcoming hoards of children and their families for a fun packed summer of fun.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust is the leading environmental charity in Cheshire offering high quality environmental education field trips and sessions to schools or community groups. We provide fantastic opportunities for outdoor learning at a range of locations across the county all complimenting the National Curriculum.
Visit Butterfly World today to see hundreds of butterflies flying freely in a natural environment!
See and feed our wildlife which includes Deer, Llamas, Goats. We have lots for kids to do including pedal tractor area, tractor rides, play area, lamb Llama and deer feeding (when available).
Schools
We have our own education centre where the pupils can gain valuable practical experience of animals in a natural setting.
The Underwater World Is Closer Than You Think
We make sure your pupils get up-close to the amazing creatures in our themed displays. After all, the more they see the more they'll learn
The Underwater World Is Closer Than You Think
We make sure your pupils get up-close to the amazing creatures in our themed displays. After all, the more they see the more they'll learn
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson's (of Countryfile fame) Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation for a fun filled day out. Children can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present.
An urban oasis for wildlife and people
London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London and was voted the UK's Favourite Nature Reserve by the public in the Countryfile Magazine Awards 2012. Although close to the heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people.
Our mission is to transform the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.
Every year we engage thousands of people of all ages with their local environment where they make a positive difference to their community.
Saving Species from Extinction
We work with some of the most endangered animals across the world in countries such as Galapagos, India, Madagascar and the Caribbean Islands, taking action within the animal’s habitats and securing their future through captive breeding or research within our wildlife park.
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is a peaceful place, with a rich variety of wildlife in its woodland, fen and reed bed habitats. Located in the beautiful Wensum Valley, the reserve is nationally and internationally recognised as important for its wildlife.
Our work at Shaldon Wildlife Trust is vital to the long-term survival of many animals which are at risk of extinction in their natural habitat.
Every year thousands of young people take part in the exciting and varied wildlife and environmental education activities offered by the Centre of the Earth.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is the county's leading conservation charity run by local people for the benefit of local wildlife, with over 70 nature reserves - part of a UK network of 47 local Wildlife Trusts working to protect wildlife.
A registered charity which cares for and protects abused and ill-treated donkeys and other animals whom you may visit and sometimes pet and feed.
The park occupies the site of an old manor house that fell into terminal decline after the war and was demolished in 1959. Fortunately, the park has continued in use and has become one of the best parks within the region. The park occupies around eight hectares with a large number of facilities on site.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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