Along the Upper Wharfe Valley the characteristic dry-stone walls and barns of the Dales, important flower-rich hay meadows, beautiful riverside and valleyside woodland combine to create a wonderful place to relax and explore the great outdoors.
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
Reserve in the care of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust
Part of the ancient forest of Charnwood, Ulverscroft is especially beautiful during the spring bluebell season. Includes heathland and woodland habitats.
Please note: access to Ulverscroft is by permit only from the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.
Tranquil varied garden in fabulous position, with a superb collection of tender and exotic plants
Explore Trengwainton’s 25 acres and discover special plants nurtured for generations by those with a passion for their beauty and extraordinary story.
Spring comes early here with champion magnolias flowering from February onwards. Peer skywards to see their huge waxy blooms outlined against the sky, or look down to spot snowdrops lining the winding wooded paths.
Enjoy a great morning out walking exploring Somerset Wildlife Trust's reserves close to Mendip’s iconic Cheddar Gorge. These wildlife havens are also great places to see how the landscape has been shaped by the areas industrial history.
Dramatic red sandstone escarpment, with impressive views
Walk the dramatic red sandstone escarpment of Alderley Edge, with views over the Cheshire Plain to the Peak District. Explore woodland paths or walk to neighbouring Hare Hill Garden.
Discover the highest point on the Edge which was originally a Bronze Age burial mound. It was later used as a fire beacon site which would have been lit as a signal to warn of the imminent invasion.
The loveliest spot that man hath ever found
Not our words but those of William Wordsworth - we are rather inclined to agree with him.
Gorge of the River Allen with ornamental and ancient woodland
Take a walk on the wild side at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Northumberland.
This extensive area of gorge and river scenery, including the 41-hectare (101-acre) Stawardpeel Site of Special Scientific Interest, has miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods.
17th-century house with elegant 18th-century decoration and a traditional farmyard
This charming 17th-century farmhouse, elegantly remodelled in Georgian times, offers fun and relaxation for all the family. Set in 100 acres of countryside, there are apple orchards and charming woodland walks. The atmosphere of a working farmyard has been rekindled with the return of small animals.
The eclectic collection at Arlington Court tells the story of a family who lived on the estate for more than 600-years. Discover for yourself the museum-like hoard amassed by Miss Rosalie Chichester, during her 84-years living at Arlington.
18th-century mansion and estate shaped by a story of love and neglect
Built for the first Lord Berwick in 1785, Attingham Hall and its beautiful parkland were owned by one family for more than 160 years. As their fortunes rose and fell they proved themselves to be spenders, savers and saviours - providing a fascinating story of love and neglect whose mark still stands in Attingham’s rooms today.
Wonderful landscape for walking (and running!), with splendid views and fun interactive games in the Visitor Centre for the kids.
Ashridge Estate is a vast 2,00 hectare swathe of beautiful woodlands and chalk downland at the north end of the Chiltern Hills.
Features include:
Unusual Dutch-style house on the Berkshire Downs
This extraordinary building with the appearance of a dolls' house nestles in a beautiful valley on the Berkshire Downs, surrounded by woodland.
It was built by an Earl, William Craven, as a house fit for the queen he loved, Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia in 1662.
This half-timbered Jacobean farmhouse, transformed by the de Rothschilds towards the end of the 19th century, now houses an exceptional collection of paintings, fine furniture and superb oriental porcelain.
The extensive gardens are an attractive mix of formal and natural, with specimen trees and shrubs and some unusual features.
A national and internationally important wildlife area
Arnside Knott is covered with limestone grassland and mixed woodland, which attracts a variety of insects and is especially renowned for butterflies.The area is made up of species-rich limestone grassland, woodland, wet meadow, scree and scrub.
There are outstanding views from the summit to the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.
Discover the haunting remains of the lost village of Hallsands
An atmospheric and poignant walk along the South West Coast Path.
Journey from the quaint fishing village of Beesands to the tragic remains of Hallsands. Walk alongside the southern coast through farmland brimming with insects, including the very rare Penny Royal (Mentha pulegium), gulls and kestrels.
The impressive headland at Croyde with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs
Baggy Point overlooks Croyde with one of the best surfing beaches in North Devon. It has stunning coastal views, great walks along the South West Coast Path and opportunities to climb, surf and coasteer, it's a must-do destination for anyone visiting North Devon.
Surf, go rock pooling or relax in the sun
Birling Gap and Crowlink, near Eastbourne in East Sussex, are part of the world famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast.
One minute you can be walking on ancient downland, the next you could be rockpooling below towering cliffs of chalk. Spectacular, unspoilt views of the sea can be seen from all angles.
Miles of unspoilt coastline that inspired Rudyard Kipling
A quiet but most beautiful stretch of rugged cliffs, sheltered valleys and ancient woodlands.
Explore Brownsham and Hartland which has miles of unspoilt cliffs, bays and waterfalls with woodland valleys and grassland.
When visiting the historic fishing village of Clovelly, make your way to the small leafy park of Mount Pleasant with fantastic views across Bideford Bay.
Delightful high Victorian garden - an extraordinary survival from the 19th century
Tunnels, winding paths, a Cheshire cottage that turns into an Egyptian tunnel, fish to feed, a Chinese temple, trees to discover and a new woodland walk to play in and explore.
The highest point in the South Downs National Park
Black Down in West Sussex is a landscape of wavy hair grass, purple heather and pine trees, where you can still get a true sense of 'wild'.
The views have inspired many for years and none so renowned as Tennyson himself: ‘You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.’
A classic downland experience with secret woodland glades
Blackcap, in East Sussex, occupies 623 acres along the ridge of the South Downs, just west of the historic old town of Lewes. This stunning hilltop area offers fine views over The Weald to the north and across the dip-slope to the coast.
Extensive area of saltmarsh, vegetated shingle, dunes and grazing marsh
Wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the natural and dynamic coastline make for an inspiring visit to Blakeney, at any time of the year.
The moving tides, covering pristine saltmarsh or exposing the harbour, combined with the varying light of Norfolk's big skies, create an ever-changing scene.
A tranquil haven of towering peaks, serene waters and undulating hills
Ullswater valley is truly breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells. The epic scenery and relative underdevelopment compared to other areas of the Lake District gives Ullswater a secluded and tranquil feel.
Delightful garden renowned for its herbs and fruit orchards
Best known for its comprehensive herb collection and traditional fruit orchards, Acorn Bank is a tranquil haven with a fascinating industrial past. Indulge yourself at the tea-room, where culinary herbs and fruit from the garden are used daily in soups, salads and puddings.
Hidden woods with ancient trees and flower-sprinkled grasslands, just off the North Downs and Pilgrims Ways
Abinger Roughs, above the village of Abinger Hammer, is an area of grassland and mixed woodland - some of the mighty oak trees are over 300 years old. The Roughs is home to many creatures and it’s a perfect spot for a young explorer to start looking at nature.
In the 1870s, Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist, actually walked on the Roughs while staying at Abinger Hall.
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