Redgrave & Lopham Fen is an internationally important lowland valley fen with a unique landscape of spring-fed sedge beds, rush and grass meadows, wet and dry heath, woodland and pools. Enjoying views across the fen, the classroom is large and airy with a picnic area, toilets and viewing platform.
Outdoor
Outdoor
What is it?
The outdoors covers everything that isn’t contained with a building! You can do many things outdoors, from extreme sport to simple appreciation of the surroundings. The exact conditions of the outdoors vary hugely all over the planet from snow and ice to hot, arid desert to swamps, mountains, rivers and wildernesses, so the activities available will depend on the climate of the specified area.
What does it involve?
The varying nature of the outdoors means that it can involve almost anything! However, outdoor activities will always include some sort of interaction with the environment, whether it’s learning about nature and wildlife or travelling across challenging terrain.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
The increasingly technological society of today means it’s more important than ever to appreciate the outdoors, so spending time there and participating in activities should be an essential aspect of everybody’s lives and should definitely be included in a student’s education.
What equipment do we need?
You will need very different equipment depending on the activity you are participating in. For example, nature trails or hiking use very little equipment, whereas more complex activities such as abseiling will call for specific equipment – make sure to check ahead of time if you need to provide anything!
Who is it suitable for?
There will be an outdoors activity for people of absolutely any age and interest.
Costs?
Access to the outdoors is completely free, but the use of an activity provider will incur some costs; it will depend on the type of activity you do!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Any activity that takes you far away from medical assistance should be carried out with caution and extra safety measures, and younger students should always be supervised carefully when outdoors! Many activities need to be provided by AALS licensed providers.
How do we include?
This will again depend upon the specific activity, so check with the provider to see their specific set up and generally exercise common sense in regards to the activity and the needs of your student group. You must always try to include students unless you can evidence that their participation in any particular activity is dangerous to themselves or others. Often with straightforward reasonable adjustments students with a wide range of issues can take part in activities and this can provide life-enhancing opportunities for them. There are many excellent providers who will be used to including such students in activities so it is often a good idea to contact them to discuss this in advance.
Doing it abroad?
The outdoors varies greatly all over the world as the climate changes, so participating in activities outside will be a great idea wherever you are! Ensure, though, that the safety standards and recovery processes are in place to your satisfaction before you book the activity. You may find it difficult to get your money back from an overseas provider if you turn up and are not happy ot proceed but haven't made clear your requirements in advance.
Main websites:
Check out individual venue websites to see what sort of outdoor activities they have available!
Venues with this Activity
Whinfell Forest is nestled in stunning landscape on the edge of the Lake District. Lodges for families and groups of all sizes are set in the 400-acre woodland, with lakes and streams aplenty that are befitting of the picturesque Lake District scenery.
The first county park in England, this has been gently entertaining and thoroughly inspiring young families for forty years. Interesting walks and gorgeous architecture.
The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre is the gateway to exploring the beautiful Idle Valley Nature Reserve, a nationally important site for wildlife close to Retford.
Offering a wide variety of bespoke programmes for Early Years/KS1 through to KS4. Groups can be taken on Tuesdays. Whether dipping for creatures that live in our river or kneeling to look at flowers in the meadows - there is an abundance of wonderful new experiences to behold.
EYFS:
A visit to our stunning and innovative visitor centre built on a former landfill site will be an exciting and educational trip for all ages. With superb views from our roof top over Mucking Flats and the Thames Estuary, our education programmes will inspire your students.
EYFS:
Here you will see Macaws, Chameleons, Marmoset Monkeys and many more exotic animals. Our tropical zone allows for an all weather attraction for the whole family. Daily Shows and Free Parking.
A wide variety of animals for you to look at and feed. There is an outdoor play area for children under 8, a beach to play and build sandcastles for all ages, and an indoor ball pool and soft play for children under 5.
A lovely little range from guinea pigs to micro pigs, via parrots, horses and alpacas.
300 acre Parc Slip Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve with its Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre has something for everyone. A variety of different habitat types supporting many different species for wildlife enthusiast, a safe area for school parties to discover and enjoy nature.
An ancient story of vanished oceans and fossilised sea creatures is the reason why the Oswestry Hills are so rich in wild plants, including orchids.
Activity examples:
Butterfly surveys, tree investigations, bug hunting, pond dipping, habitat investigations, natural art, sensory explorers. John Muir Award (environmental award for KS2 upwards).
The main footpath along the Stiperstones ridge goes straight down the side of The Hollies nature reserve. Few people step off the track to explore this ancient, scattered grove of hollies, but those that do soon fall under its spell. The trees are extraordinary characters, some of them three or four centuries old.
Activity examples:
Steep wooded slopes rise from the banks of the River Teme, leading to open grassland with glorious views across Ludlow to the Clee Hills. Networked with footpaths and flights of stone steps, the Common is easy to explore, with numerous seats for walkers to rest and enjoy the views.
Activity examples:
Charterhouse offers groups sole use of the centre and can accommodate up to 63 people. It boasts a large dining hall with a modern kitchen, a visitors lounge and boot room, along with ample outdoor space and a designated camp fire area.
Active Adventure South West are one of the south west's leading provider of adventure activities. We are a fully mobile activity provider. We can bring the activities to you or alternatively you can meet us at one of our regular activity spots.
Throughout Somerset we match you with your closest orchard, often local and rich in wildlife.
Bird adventure trail, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Living things and their habitats, Nature sensory explorers, Orchards (food and farming), Marvellous Meadows, Seasonal investigation, Seasonal crafts.
Throughout Somerset, we match you to your closest reserve!
Bird adventure trail, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Living things and their habitats, Nature sensory explorers, Orchards (food and farming), Marvellous Meadows, Seasonal investigation, Seasonal crafts
Situated on Mersea Island on the river Blackwater near Colchester, our site at Mersea is Essex Outdoors' largest centre for outdoor learning. With over 62 acres of well maintained grounds we can accommodate up to 350 visitors in tents, 104 in cabins and 48 in its brand new residential centre.
Boasting stunning views from the highest point in Essex, the site offers the perfect setting for enjoying our courses and activities, or simply exploring the local environment.
Essex Outdoors' centre at Bradwell is a coastal outdoor education centre, based on the River Blackwater Estuary, a lovely stretch of sheltered tidal water on the east coast of Essex.
We're Wales' Premier Award-Winning Indoor and Outdoor activity and training centre, set in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, Mid Wales.
Welcome to Center Parcs, the award-winning number one short break provider in the UK. Our five Villages are nestled within beautiful and secluded woodland, providing an ideal location for a unique short break to remember.
We are an adventure learning organisation that uses adventure and experiential learning to give people the chance to enjoy the great outdoors, develop skills for work and life, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.
Our Ullswater centre, set in the heart of the Lake District National Park and on the shores of the lake, has easy access to Helvellyn, the surrounding fells, crags, ghylls and waterfalls. It is one of the original homes of rock climbing as a sport and boasts a wide variety of locations for any level of climbing.
There is lots to look at whilst you are here: We have plenty of adults courses and children's outdoor activities on offer.
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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.
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