The exotic luxuriance of Mount Stewart's celebrated gardens, created in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry has helped make it one of Northern Ireland's most popular Trust's properties with all the family.
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
There's a natural surprise waiting around every corner
Welcome to the National Botanic Garden of Wales. The first botanic garden of the new millennium is 568 acres of beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, about an hour west of Cardiff. It is easy to get to but hard to forget.
Glorious gardens overlooking the River Thames.
Set high above the Thames with far-reaching views, Cliveden’s impressive gardens and majestic woodlands capture the grandeur of a bygone age.
Two nature reserves, a huge open field, busy Countryside Centre with cafe facilities, adventure play area and easy access from the city or the motorway, make this site very popular with a variety of visitors. Whether you are looking for birds, swings, coffee, flowers, footpaths or all of these and more, you've come to the right place at Worcester Woods Country Park.
Truly a hidden gem
One of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, the Hall is a place of surprises and delights, a mixture of opulence and homeliness where each room has something to feed the imagination. From the stained glass windows in the great hall to the nodding mandarins in the chinese bedroom; from Queen Mary's teapot in the dining room to the copper pans in the kitchen. Story boxes for the childr
The Pass of Killiecrankie is a magnificent wooded gorge with the River Garry flowing along its base.
The Battle of Killiecrankie, the major event in the first of the Jacobite uprisings, was fought nearby. The Visitor Centre, on the east side of the Pass, tells both the story of the rich natural history of the Pass and the story of the battle.
Faringdon’s unique, iconic 100ft tower, the last major folly to be built in England, surrounded by woodland. Kids aged 11 and under get in free.
There are four acres of circular woodland to to enjoy, with some trees that are more than 400 years old!
Ancient common on the Greensand Ridge where time comes home to sleep
Limpsfield Common was used by commoners for grazing their animals and collecting stone and firewood. Now, with its extensive network of footpaths and bridleways through patches of open heathland and large areas of woodland, the Common is a perfect place to enjoy the countryside, whether walking, cycling or horseriding. There’s an old Roman road to saunter along too.
Over 260 animal species in over 160 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. Giraffe Walkway, Lemur Walk-through exhibit, Train, Adventure Playground, Picnic Areas, Children's Farmyard, Brass Rubbing, Tropical House, Reptile House, Bat House and Insect House.
Elegant country house with highly distinctive gardens
This elegant country manor and tranquil garden sit so harmoniously within the landscape that one cannot exist without the other.
The Famous Dartmoor Waterfall
No visit to Devon would be complete without a visit to Dartmoor's famous Becky Falls, where we've been welcoming visitors since 1903. The falls are an iconic Dartmoor landmark, and a day out here can be as gentle or as adventurous as you wish. All of our activities and shows are included in the entry price, so there are no extras to pay once you're inside.
Far-reaching views of rolling valleys and hills
Cherhill Down is well known for its White Horse and views of the Lansdowne Monument, which can be seen for miles around.
Walk to the top of the Down and be rewarded with great views. In the summer enjoy carpets of chalk grassland flowers and the sound of skylarks.
Delightful medieval manor house, set in woodland and meadows
Unspoilt and fascinating medieval manor house, still a relaxed family home. Wander through rooms untouched by time, warm yourself by the open fire, and unwind in the tranquil garden.
Located in a green haven of riverside meadows and woodland hidden away in the heart of the town.
World Primate Centre
Twycross Zoo has been providing the exciting opportunity to get close to wildlife for over 50 years and has achieved well-respected status as one of Britain's major zoos, attracting half a million visitors each year.
In the footsteps of giants...
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Towering above the sea, this historic headland offers dramatic, panoramic views
The Dodman is the highest headland on the south Cornish coast. Offering spectacular views, this area is also of great archaeological interest.
A massive Iron Age earthwork, nearly 666m long and over 6m high, encloses the headland. Over 2,000 years ago, this earthwork could have housed a series of dwellings, known collectively as a promontory fort or cliff castle.
'The loveliest place in the world'
Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.
Northamptonshire's heritage jewel
Chester Farm is an archaeologically and historically important site covering 34 hectares, which includes a large area designated as a Scheduled Monument and a complex of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.
The site is not currently open to the public so please do not visit unless by appointment.
Where can you do all these things in one day?
Wander wistfully through a wildflower meadow? Travel the world through Africa and China with the Gascoigne family? Come face-to-face with exotic feathery friends? Imagine yourself living in a grand Edwardian house? And enjoy a picnic while watching a herd of deer?
Lotherton Estate, of course!
Boasting stunning scenery, a temperate climate and a sheltered harbour, Canna is the most westerly of the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, and also one of the most hospitable. Guided walks are possible by prior arrangement with the property manager.
A local nature reserve and country park with a large lake and extensive woodland. A fairly wild sort place with natural features only, but a wonderful environment to explore, and free!
It is also the site of a Roman villa (although unfortunately there are no visible remains).
Fine 18th-century house with costume collection, hillside garden and estate. Home to the 'Paulise de Bush' costume collection, with over 9,000 outfits. Delightful hillside garden featuring rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare trees. Stunning parkland walks all year round.
Discovery centre brings history and the environment to life.
Once part of one of the most important 18th century picturesque landscapes in Scotland, an attractive woodland walk leads though spectacularly large Douglas firs (including one of the tallest trees in the country) to the amazing folly, Ossian's Hall overlooking the Black Linn waterfall.
Pages
Featured Provider
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.
Login/Sign Up
Latest News
Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.