A visit to Islandmagee is a trip back to less rushed and stressful times. A peninsula on the East Antrim coast steeped in history with cottages, rolling fields, quiet villages and spectacular coastline, it is a microcosm of the Northern Ireland countryside.
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
The Findhorn Foundation has been promoting principles of sustainable development since its creation in 1962. Located on the North East coast of Scotland on two main sites near to and within the town of Forres, Findhorn began with a small community of 3 adults and their children.
The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Since the completion of the houses in 1998 Hockerton Housing Project has established itself as an exemplar of sustainable development locally and nationally.
As well as two working farm visitor centres (Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm) there are nature areas, an aerial assault course (managed separately), an adventure playground, an RSPB Visitor Centre, woodland, meadows, farmland.
Thornton Reservoir is a peaceful and picturesque location that offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas. There are also links with longer trails including the Leicester Round and various other public footpaths. This scenic reservoir also has a popular fly fishery, attracting anglers from all over the midlands.
Well kept parkland with play centre, light railway, splash pool, pitch and putt golf, stunning horticultural displays, a fishing lake and football pitches.
This scenic park has over 207 acres of parkland and is one of Derby's largest parks attracting over one million visitors a year making it one of the most popular parks in the East Midlands.
Newly restored to its former glory, historic Leasowes Park was designed by the poet William Shenstone beginning in 1743 and continuing until his death in 1763.
A wonderful place for kids to let off steam and enjoy the outdoors. Follow the streams, dodge the waterfall and find Foo Dog and the Big Buddha hidden in our arboretum and wild garden.
Private and public hire cruise boats offering different sizes and services for every occasion. Self drive hire facilities also available. Pre booking essential.
Cotswold River Cruises operate 'Adventuress ' from The Riverside Marina Halfpenny Bridge Lechlade-on-Thames GL7 3DL, gateway to the Cotswolds.
Situated in gently rolling hills overlooking Kinghorn Loch in Fife, Craigencalt Ecology Centre was established in 1998 to give people a direct experience of the natural environment.
The Earthship is a demonstration eco house. It is run as a visitor centre and is open throughout the year for both drop in visitors and booked tours.
A farm in the heart of the city!
Tucked away in London’s East End is a working farm, Rural Arts Centre and community meeting place. We give children and adults a chance to meet farm animals, learn how to grow food and try out arts and crafts.
The Farm is free to all visitors and everyone is welcome!
Becketts have been farming in Wythall - just south of Birmingham - for 77 years and our mission is to bring both fresh food and farming closer to the people.
Our business has evolved over time and now comprises an award-winning Farm Shop, a large family restaurant, conference and meeting facilities, and a cookery school.
Activities include Tri Golf fun course, adventure playground, the visitor centre where you can pick up trail maps for the circular walk and sculpture trail, plus plenty of open space to ramble and explore.
Colourful floral displays from spring to autumn!
Flower-filled park containing a sensory garden, an exotic glasshouse, a lake with ducks and swans, and a boating pond. There is also a nearby ship-themed adventure play area (see full details for information).
Things to enjoy
The Parkridge Centre is in a great location in the heart of Brueton Park, Solihull. It is an ideal location for younger children to explore their local area and experience the wonderful nature and wildlife that our area has to offer.
Warwickshire Museum is the name for the body which operates both the Market Hall Museum and St John's Museum in Warwick. It is part of Heritage and Culture Warwickshire.
Considered to be a "storybook in stone," Warwickshire's oldest church reflects its rich history with buttresses at odd angles, Saxon windows and remnants of a tithe barn.
Whether you come to unwind or have fun, there's plenty for all at Draycote Water. Activities range from birdwatching and game fishing to walking and water sports. Dogs are only allowed in the Country Park.
War Memorial Park is Coventry's premier park and attracts around 400,000 visitors from all over the city and further beyond every year. Many come to enjoy a casual visit, while others come to take part in some of the many special events that take place throughout the year.
Crazy golf, children's play area, 18 hole golf course, and plenty of open space and garden walks: all recently refurbished and well maintained.
The refurbished play area has a wide range of play equipment to offer a variety of physical and interactive challenges for all ages.
There's lots of fun to be had at this family friendly country park! With play areas, cycling and walking on surfaced paths and a large picnic meadow you can't go wrong for a family day out!
Feed the ducks at Ryton Pool, play games on the picnic meadow and burn off some more energy on our two play areas.
Garden Organic Ryton is the home of Garden Organic, the UK’s leading organic growing and lifestyle charity which is dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food. We currently have a membership of 32,000 people across the UK and further afield together with two other gardens in Kent and Essex.
Woodland containing a great variety of wildlife, plus wonderful carpets of bluebells every spring. Look out for tawny owls, red foxes, and the 250 year old oak. Open all year and free to visit.
Trimpley Reservoir is in a idyllic location, nestling between the River Severn on one side and the historic Severn Valley Steam Railway on the other.
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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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