What are they and what do they involve?
Environment centres are venues designed to raise awareness of, emphasise the importance of and increase interaction with all aspects of the environment. The specifics can vary greatly and will often depend upon the location of the venue, but can include activities such as nature trails that allow you to experience the environment up close.
What are the benefits?
Having a level of understanding for the environment is important for everybody; it encourages learning outside of the classroom and taking responsible action to better the environment.
What students is it suitable for?
Pupils of all ages will like environment centres; they’re easy to enjoy and are reasonably simple venues that can provide a hugely rewarding education experience.
Costs?
Environment centres will usually have an admission fee, but these will generally fall under £10 for smaller venues, whereas large establishments such as the Eden Project can have higher costs.
Safety Implications?
As with any activities outdoors, you should make sure your student groups are properly prepared for any eventualities and are suitably supervised!
Bedfords Park is a fantastic place to come and explore with your school. We have a plethora of habitats and wildlife to learn from: from meadows to lakes, woodlands to ponds - and not forgetting our resident herd of Red Deer.
EYFS:
Exploring Senses, Pond Power, Go on a Bug Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic, Natural Art
Key Stage 1:
The official visitors' centre of the Geopark way. Attractions include interactive iPads and wall maps encouraging kids to learn all about the geology, archaeology, history and water of the Malvern Hills. The Cafe stocks a wide range of local food and drink and has free WiFi and parking.
A beautiful conservation area set within the Millennium Country Park, suitable for all ages, with a Lakeside cafe, picnic area, adventure playground, gift shop, cycle hire and seasonal events. Excellent disabled access, free entry and parking, dogs and horses welcome.
Blithfield offers a range of programmes to support education in schools on the themes of water and the environment.
A beautiful medieval site with public access for walks and picnics. We run family-focused events through the year, whether it's history, wildlife and environment or archaeology, there's something for everyone to learn and have fun too!
Experience a cutting edge eco-build and be inspired to respond to climate change back at home and work.
Supports waste minimisation and education campaigns in educational establishments, schools and community groups.
Diggin It delivers a range of fun and challenging activities for children and young people with additional needs offering access to a natural environment in the heart of City.
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the UK's learned society and professional body for geography, founded in 1830. We are a world leader in advancing geography and supporting its practitioners in the UK and across the world.
At Ringsfield Hall we wish to 'be with' children, not to 'do to' them, and to offer a nurturing approach, taking us to the children's side of the experience, not the adult side.
The Holly Lodge Centre provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn from a series of hands-on experiences focusing on the rich natural environment in the unique setting of Richmond Park.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s HQ, the Wolseley Centre, is one of the county’s hidden gems and it's completely free to visit.
See where your non-recyclable waste is separated and the energy released to produce electricity.
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.