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.
Herefordshire is often described as England's most rural county, with a rich mosaic landscape of small fields, ancient hedgerows and wooded hills.
From the Black Mountains in the west to the Malvern Hills in the east and the majestic sweep of the Wye Valley, the county embodies the finer characteristics of a rapidly vanishing traditional landscape.
Enjoy a great day out in a relaxed countryside setting where you’ll discover an extensive garden centre, farm shop, courtyard shops, restaurants and miniature railway - all within a five minute drive from Evesham town centre.
360 hectares of parkland to enjoy, with plenty to do, from a gentle stroll to wakeboarding! Rare habitats to discover and plenty of wildlife to spot. Also great for cycling and the site of the Chasewater Railway. Free to visit.
Birches Valley Forest Centre is an excellent starting point for an exhilarating day out on Cannock Chase. From the midlands best bike trails and woodland walks to adventure play and Go Ape we’ve got a great day out just waiting for you…
Human activity is dramatically evident in the huge chunk blasted out of the hillside to provide road stone for the nearby A5. This had the unexpectedly wonderful effect of laying bare the earth’s history; revealing rocks from the earliest beginnings of life on this planet.
Relics of former industrial activity, including furnaces and an old winding house, are now surrounded by woodland full of birds, while pit mounds of waste have been transformed into flower-rich grassland and heath. An abundance of bird’s-foot trefoil now feeds generations of caterpillars of Telford’s speciality butterflies, the dingy skipper and green hairstreak. Coach parking.
Lightmoor lies on the fringes of urban Telford, surrounded by the thriving communities of Lightmoor village and Doseley. Look around as you walk and you will see the history of this place. Heaps of coal, clay and ironstone waste from the 18th century mines were piled onto the medieval field patterns, and tracks, tramways and an early canal cut across the landscape.
Offers a large pets corner, waterfowl area, pigmy goats, baby calves incubator hatching, two bouncy castles, miniature tractors, outdoor play area, undercover sand pit and go-carts! Largely under cover.
A pretty reserve set within a secluded river valley, with flower rich grassland and ancient woodland. Plenty of nature for the kids to enjoy, from butterflies and bees, to bare ground and boggy bits!
Stroll along a magical stream and listen to the soothing sound of water as you look out for the many birds and wildflowers that can be found here.
Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhouse complete with period garden. An award-winning museum, the Hall offers visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the 17th century. The rooms are furnished with an outstanding collection of textiles, ceramics and furniture.
Offers an array of exciting play equipment, including the fort climbing frame, swings, a merry-go-round, springy animals, slides and a rotating circular seat. Plus the lakes themselves and signposted walks around them for a bijou explorette!
Baggeridge Country Park is a beautiful area of countryside on the doorstep of the Black Country. Being set back from the roads, its secluded delights are revealed to you as you explore further. The creation of today's scenery however, is very diverse.
Children are happy exploring in the undergrowth, hiding in trees and riding bikes, there is an adventurous children's play area set in the middle of the forest suitable for children up to 12 years old, with swings, slides, climbing frames and a challenging ropes trail.
Welcome to our beautiful nature reserve created on the site of an old chalk quarry. Watch out for the wildlife that makes its home in the varied habitats of wetland, chalk grassland and woodland. Discover that whatever the season, College Lake is the ideal place to visit for a day of learning outside the classroom.
In the 1750s at his family seat in Buckinghamshire, Ralph Verney set out to create a country house of extraordinary grandeur that would dazzle his wealthy neighbours and outdo his political rivals. Thirty years on he was facing financial ruin.
Today the interiors that remain are among the most ambitious and lavish ever created in the 18th century.
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is situated in the Oxford Island Nature Reserve on the southern shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK. With over 200,000 visitors every year, the Discovery Centre is an ideal place to promote the principles of sustainability.
The park offers the people a green retreat, somewhere to relax and enjoy being outdoors. The recently refurbished play area is very popular and the park comes alive at the weekend to support the thriving Leys football clubs.
The park is open all year round, offering space to:
The park is open all day every day.
Bury Knowle is one of Oxford's most beautiful parks and the historic Bury Knowle House and its parkland setting provides a picturesque back-drop for picnics and events.
South Park occupies 50 acres of open space, with magnificent views overlooking Oxford.
What can I do there?
An educational trip into the sad necessity to rescue animals, with plenty of happy, loved and rehabilitated furry guests to visit with.
HULA Animal Rescue has saved over 31,000 animals since it was founded, and offers an educational trip into the sad necessity to rescue animals, with plenty of happy, loved and rehabilitated furry guests to visit with.
At Puzzlewood you can explore a mile of pathways winding through deep gulley’s of moss covered rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations; all set in 14 acres of ancient woodland.
Mingulay, Berneray and Pabbay are three islands of unrivalled wildness and beauty.
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.