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.
An ancient semi-natural woodland just north of Kenilworth, once part of the Forest of Arden. The wood is managed traditionally as high forest with a coppice understorey, providing tall trees of oak, birch and sweet chestnut with a lower shrub layer of hazel and holly.
Visit in May for fantastic displays of bluebells.
Species and habitats
Habitats
Under Canvas is a fun, curriculum linked, residential experience for schools, which is rooted in the heritage and tradition of a classic school camp. The difference? We bring the tents, the activities and the instructors to your school.
Come along and enjoy flying displays, pig racing, tropical butterflies, snakes, reptiles, trout fishing and much more. Indoor and outdoor play areas for the children and barn style tea rooms for grown ups to relax.
If you're looking to plan a full day out, look no further. Woburn Safari Park offers amazing value for money, with many great activities all included in your ticket price.
Head to the leisure area and Foot Safari and park for free; you'll be amazed how many exciting activities are included in your ticket price.
54 acres of beautiful parkland with enchanting woodland walks and play areas and breathtaking views to the Fylde Coast, Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.
The Bakehouse Centre was specially converted from a former bakehouse and two cottages to house today's Museum.
Museum Staff are pleased to welcome visitors and offer a guided tour if requested. A printed guide to the collection is also available.
There are new exhibitions on the maritime history and a photographic history of the village.
We have a range of experiences to enjoy along with a variety of ways to contribute to WHF:
A chance to walk with wolves and see them close up as you learn about these beautiful creatures.
There are also a number of Experience days available, including some that are specially tailored for kids. Many take place during the school holidays and more are added throughout the year.
Tropiquaria is pleased to be able to admit large, pre-booked, groups at discounted rates, whether the visit is educational, entirely for fun, or for a mixture of the two. Education can be FUN!
Both directors take the welfare of disabled and disadvantaged groups very seriously and with notice can arrange to make the visits of such groups more rewarding.
Tropical World has fast become a firm favourite with the people of Donegal, visitors from all over Ireland and even further afield.
Described by our patrons as Donegal’s hidden gem and the one place you must visit in Donegal, Tropical World has built on its popularity by annually growing its ever-increasing collection and improving the customer experience.
Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of the most well-loved family attractions in Leeds and only three miles from the city centre. At Tropical World you can take a trek through the rainforest; stopping off briefly in the outback of Australia before a quick excursion through the desert, and all in the same morning!
Encounter an exotic world of butterflies and birds, mammals and minibeasts, reptiles and rodents, all brought up-close by our team of inspiring, knowledgeable guides.
Give your school group an unforgettable learning experience. You will find our curriculum-based Education Programme is flexible, interactive and lots of fun!
We are a unique zoo with a wide range of animals which you can see on a unique walking safari;
Lion's Lair
Lion Country is unique in the UK as visitors enjoy an on foot safari in safety along its 800m of pathway into the reserves. It is home to the lions rescued from Oradea Zoo in Romania
Tiger Country
With so many different species housed at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, the UK's biggest zoo, your trip will be full of excitement.
Located in the stunning Tilgate Park, Tilgate Nature Centre houses over 100 different species of animals, from endangered to farmyard favourites. It also maintains rare breeds of native livestock including white park cattle, Boreray sheep and Bagot goats, as well as new arrivals: meerkats and otters.
Welcome to the Thrigby Hall wildlife gardens. See the beautiful gardens and the amazing wildlife we look after here in the gardens
The primary objective of Lake District Wildlife Park is wildlife conservation and promotion of sustainable lifestyles through experiential learning.
We believe that the future is in the hands of the world’s young people and our education programme aims to emphasize the interdependence of human beings, the animal world and the natural environment.
With more than two thousand exotic animals from across the globe and two on-site nature reserves, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is an exciting and inspirational place for all ages to learn more about the world’s wonderful biodiversity through environmental education.
With over 130 species, Newquay Zoo is an exciting and inspirational place for all ages to learn more about the world's wonderful biodiversity.
We offer a selection of Onsite education packages.
Q. How long are the sessions?
We offer 1/2 hr education sessions with hands-on encounters with various animals.
Q. Who are they aimed at?
The sessions are designed for pre-school, key stage 1 & 2 children.
Home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life and the jewel in the crown of the 28 Sea Life attractions in the UK and Europe. Situated in the heart of London, the experience takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey along the Great Oceanic Conveyor.
The Scottish Deer Centre is set in the Fife countryside and covers over 55 acres. Our collection includes 14 species of Deer from around the world, Fife's only Wolf pack, Otters and other rare Scottish species including the Wildcat. We also host Raptor World Bird of Prey centre!
A great place to bring the kids to meet our farmyard animals, follow the farmer as he feeds the deer and meet mythical creatures in Fairytale Forest. Older kids can lose energy in the outdoor play area, while toddlers play in the indoor playroom.
Situated in the heart of the Rockingham Forest, the park offers access to fantastic woodlands, meadows, thickets, marshes and ponds to explore.
Recreation
Market Hall Museum is an historic museum operated by Heritage and Culture Warwickshire.
Built in 1670, the Market Hall originally contained arches on all four walls (later converted to windows), to provide under-cover space for stalls.
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.