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.
Young visitors have the opportunity to get close to a wide range of farm animals from the tiniest chickens to the statuesque Shire horses, with hands-on activities and play zones.
Plus indoor Egg Splat cannons and ride on tractors as well as two adventure play areas for different age groups and the tractor trailer ride.
A nice little farm where you can meet and feed a variety of animals, including sheep,goats, pigs and chickens. Indoor play barn, pedal tractors, plus tractor and trailer rides around the farm. Dedicated area for children’s parties.
A working 2.2 acre city farm in the heart of London with open animal yard, bee room, cafe, working blacksmith's forge and classrooms.
We hold special activities in school holidays such as baking and crafts as well as encouraging families to help out on the farm with some hands-on work experience!
School Visits to the Farm
Covering as much as 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of heather-covered hills with stunning views of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Welsh hills, this is an important place for wildlife, geology and archaeology.
The site features a riverside walk and meadows, children's play area, picnic site with barbeques, tearoom, souvenir shop, tourist information and a secluded basic camp site. The signal box houses changing exhibitions from local artists and crafts people.
All Things Wild Nature Centre at The Domestic Fowl Trust is set in the beautiful Vale of Evesham in the Worcestershire countryside, and is the perfect place for you to relax, learn and enjoy yourself.
Have a rainforest experience in the Victorian glasshouses, get lost in the maze, follow one of our trails or enjoy the beautiful gardens. Visit the farm or have fun in our fantastic new play barn.
Education and Learning
An unforgettable day of fun, action, new experiences and a bit of learning for families with children up to the age of 12 in a lovely, safe and happy environment. Lots of indoor activities, a daily programme of shows and different seasonal events whenever the kids are on holiday – from Easter Eggstravaganza through to Winter Wonderland.
Meet plenty of furry friends, enjoy Animal Activities and Demonstrations and discover the Giant Indoor Playbarn! Guaranteed to give you the Ahhhh factor, there's stacks of animal fun and indoor play at Odds Farm Park.
Milk a cow by hand; take part in their Animal Feeding Tour; watch the machine milking; Visit Mini Farm World, Pets' Corner and the Play Area; follow the Farm Trail; take a trailer ride around the farm; and admire the panoramic views across four counties!
A lovely park that is free to visit and has plenty to keep everyone amused, including children’s play area, skate park, a bandstand, boat trips on the river, and water play fountains!
Glenariff Forest Park is one of the 9 Antrim Glens, and has over 1,000 hectares to explore, half of which is full of trees, the other a mix of small lakes, open spaces, lakes and waterfalls. Several trails to follow, including the Waterfall Walkway.
Deen City Farm is a unique, educational resource in SW London, open free of charge.
Our aim is to give people the opportunity to learn from their visit and contribution to a Working Farm.
The Farm is based on National Trust land (part of the Morden Hall Park Estate) and you can reach the Farm after a pleasant stroll from Morden across Morden Hall Park.
The healthy working Pink Pig Farm welcomes families for the full farm to fork experience (if you can handle it that candidly!) with happy animals to visit both in the paddocks and the Charcuterie!
The indoor Play Barn features oodles of soft play facilities, giant lego plus play kitchens, excellent for keeping damp smalls busy tip the rain clears up!
Westhay Moor is a beautiful nature reserve to explore with its shimmering lakes and reed beds, birds singing and signs of life all around.
BeWILDerwood is 50 acres of wild, outdoor treehouse adventure park. Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, boat trips, marsh walks and adventure!
BeWILDerwood is a wild and imaginative adventure park with magical treehouses and a hint of intriguing characters, bringing a curious difference to the Norfolk Broads.
Fyne Court was once a formal garden based on the Arcadian design. Over time the garden became wilder!
Bird adventure trail, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Living things and their habitats, Nature sensory explorers, Orchards (food and farming), Marvellous Meadows, Seasonal investigation, Seasonal crafts
Fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away...
Bird adventure trail, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Living things and their habitats, Nature sensory explorers, Orchards (food and farming), Marvellous Meadows, Seasonal investigation, Seasonal crafts
Our Education Centre at Magor Marsh is able to cater for groups of up to 32 children and for a variety of age ranges from pre-school and beyond, including teacher training days at all times of year! All our activities have been designed specifically for schools by qualified teachers and a teacher and forest school leader is available at the centre to discuss your individual requirements.
Our fantastic new Visitor Centre offers a modern base for your visit. Discover a wide range of Environmental Education programmes and also visit the nearby water treatment works to learn about the water cycle.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Key Stage 1:
Visit our working arable farm to learn about food production and sustainable farming methods to help our farmland wildlife. Find different habitats and understand the effects of breaching the sea wall and the salt marsh created.
Adapted for KS1-4:
FARMING AND WILDLIFE...
We deliver tailor-made sessions for EYFS to KS4, on various topics including minibeasts, habitats, sustainability and woodland management, through investigations of our ancient woodland, reservoir, pond and grassland.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Key Stage 1:
Chafford Gorges Nature Park offers a variety of activities for schools and nurseries. Topics covered: Habitats Studies, Ponds, Bugs, Plants, Rock and Soils, Bush craft and Den-building, Birdwatching. We have an on-site classroom, toilets, gift shop and more.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Fingringhoe Wick is one of the county’s top wildlife sites. Uncover the secrets of woodlands, meadows, ponds, heathland and the Colne Estuary. Our varied hands-on Environmental Education programme caters to all ages, from bug hunts for the early years to vegetation sampling for secondary pupils.
EYFS:
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.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.