Environment

Environment

What is it? 

The word "environment" covers all naturally occurring things on Earth. Animals, chemicals, plants and minerals all count as part of the environment, which has incredible variety depending on the climate of the area in which it is found. 

What does it involve?

The environment of earth includes a huge variety of genres, but in general use the word refers to the features of the landscape and the animals and plants most likely to be found in certain areas. Learning about the environment involves disciplines such as science, history and evolution, and as the environment is constantly changing, as does the study of it. 

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Learning about the environment should be something all students take part in at some point, as respect for the planet and its natural resources are essential in maintaining it. The subject of the environment can cover many sub-topics, and it's a great way of understanding more about how things were in the past and how they developed into our current day situation; it's also a thought provoking subject in regards to the future of the planet. 

What equipment do we need?

Simple observation and appreciation of the environment requires very little if no equipment whatsoever, but further study can involve more scientific methods of research where certain things may be needed. For beginners into environmental research, some information, a willingness to learn and curiosity are all that should be needed. 

Who is it suitable for?

The environment is important for all ages to learn about and respect. Students both young and old will benefit from understanding what goes on around us a little more - for example, explaining why littering is bad to young children can go a long way!

Costs?

Depending on what sort of thing you do and where you go, costs of environmental studies can range anywhere from completely free upwards! Many natural parks will charge an entry cost for upkeep, for example, but the actual examination of the environment costs nothing. 

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

You should ensure that the activity can engage the students appropriately! Younger students will need more to occupy them than older students will, and you should always have appropriate supervision for groups of children when taking them outside into unfamiliar territory. 

How do we include?

Full inclusion will depend on the type of the activity. For example, venturing outside into rough terrain will hinder those with physical disabilities; make sure that whatever you plan is appropriate for everyone in your student group.

Doing it abroad?

The environment abroad will be great to study for those who are interested in the topic. You can see animals, landscapes and plants that you never would in the UK, and could be an invaluable experience for many. 

Main website:

Consult individual venue websites to see more information about their environment and any acitivies they provide. 

Venues with this Activity

A spectacular stretch of coastline boasting dramatic cliffs

A great beach, and more: some of the best rock pools in the country, good surfing, masses of wildlife and views of the distinctive island - the Great Mewstone. Wembury is a great starting point for lovely inland and coastal walks to Wembury Woods and the Yealm Estuary, and around Wembury Point. Finish your trip with a slice of Gemma and Jennifer's home-made cake in the Old Mill Café.

Are you ready to Safari and come face to face with some of the fastest, tallest, largest and cutest animals around?... 

Then welcome to West Midland Safari Park, voted 'Most popular tourist attraction in the West Midlands' by children and parents from the region. 

Fire Safety Education for Schools

SafeSide is attached to a working fire station (West Midlands Fire Service HQ) and offer our own home safety scenarios for your students to learn about every aspect of fire safety. So this is the place to be if you are wanting to focus on fire safety, plus road safety and the wider work of the fire service.

Box Hill, North Downs

Juniper Hall is an amazing location for fieldwork, set in a quiet wooded valley in an unspoilt area of the chalk North Downs at the edge of Box Hill (less than 10 minutes from the M25). 

South Devon Coast

Start Bay Centre is located above Slapton with stunning views across the Start Bay Coast. Each group has exclusive use of the converted old school. The recently refurbished Centre provides comfortable facilities with a friendly atmosphere. An enclosed garden includes a low ropes course, BBQ area and campfire circle.

Explore Constable Country

Flatford lies in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale.

Dale is the sunniest place in Wales and averages in excess of 1,800 hours of sun shine a year. It is a perfect location for a field trip. It is surprisingly accessible and once here you'll appreciate its fantastic setting.

South Devon Coast

The Centre is located on the Start Bay coast and surrounded by Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. The Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West. It is separated from the sea by Slapton Sands (a barrier beach and shingle ridge). The surrounding coastline, nearby coastal towns and Dartmoor National Park provide unrivalled opportunities for field courses.

Kindrogan

FSC Kindrogan is set in wooded grounds on the banks of the River Ardle, and is a gateway to the picturesque Scottish Highlands. It lies within easy reach of some of the remotest areas of the UK with inspiring landforms and rich range of wildlife habitats but is just one and a half hours travel from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Snowdonia

FSC Rhyd-y-creuau provides high quality residential outdoor learning and fieldwork for primary schools, secondary schools and university groups. We also have a range of courses and holidays for adults and families.

In addition to our two residential centres in Cumbria, FSC has a dedicated team of teaching staff who deliver full or half day courses for schools using the stunning locations found within the Lake District. A typical day begins at 10.00am when one of our teaching staff will meet you at your chosen site.

Shropshire/Welsh Border

Preston Montford has been an FSC Field Centre since 1957. It serves a very diverse range of customers of all ages and levels of learning. It has been accredited with Eco-Centre status.

Pembrokeshire Coast

Orielton Field Centre is ideally placed to explore the diverse environments & habitats that Pembrokeshire has to offer. As a centre we cater for University Groups, Schools and leisure learners.

Northern Ireland

FSC Northern Ireland provides fieldwork opportunities in Belfast with a wide variety of urban fieldwork courses across Belfast and in the Titanic Quarter, which is one of the world’s largest urban, waterfront regeneration projects.

West Fermanagh

Derrygonnelly Centre lies in the unspoilt West Fermanagh countryside, 10 miles from Enniskillen and only 15 miles from the Donegal coast. The Centre is run in partnership with Derrygonnelly and District Community Enterprises, on the site of a former creamery. The River Sillees runs through the Centre grounds.

Exmoor

Nettlecombe Court lies in a secluded valley at the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. The house is a striking example of a Tudor and Georgian country mansion set within its own grounds. The Centre has excellent access to the Somerset coast as well as  Exmoor National Park and The Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Neath Port Talbot / Castell Nedd Port Talbot

Set in 850 acres of beautiful parkland where 600 deer roam freely, Margam Discovery Centre offers high quality environmental education to all age groups, both residentially and for day visits. The centre is a state of the art low carbon footprint building designed by The Welsh School of Architects.

FSC Malham Tarn is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Malham Tarn we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children.

Amersham Field Centre is located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The FSC manages the centre and nature reserve on behalf of National Grid Transco. The 30 hectare site provides a mosaic of woodland, grassland and pond habitats for all ages to study.

Lake District

Castle Head Field Centre lies in its own extensive grounds between the southern fells of the Lake District and the shores of Morecambe Bay. The Centre has 120 beds and a number of large indoor spaces including 6 workrooms, student common rooms, a separate staff lounge and a sports hall.

Nurture in Nature

FSC Bishops Wood is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Bishops Wood Field Centre we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children. From Literacy through landscape to wilderness bushcraft designed to encourage problem solving and teamwork.

Visit Carymoor for a unique and unforgettable experience! At Carymoor we bring green issues to life all year round using our remarkable site which combines a working landfill site with a beautiful nature reserve, sensory and wild flower gardens, replica shanty town, Celtic roundhouse, forest school area and a sustainably built Education Centre.

Explore the biggest conservatory in the world

The Eden Project consists of 50m-tall Biomes, which house the world's largest indoor rainforest.

The Eden Project is an exciting attraction where you can explore your relationship with nature, learn new things and get inspiration about the world around you.

Experience the Great Outdoors

Northumberland National Park Authority is a conservation organisation. National Park status is the highest form of landscape protection in the UK. Of the 11 National Parks in England and Wales, Northumberland is the most northerly, most remote from large urban areas, least visited and least populated.

The fun starts the moment you arrive, with all the rides, the trail and the challenges it’s the perfect way to have some quality family time and get that all important exercise for everyone.

Unique learning experience

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British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

hotel corridor

A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.

Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.

The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.