Just 5 miles off the Cardiff coast, our educational and residential trips explore the fascinating history and wildlife. Visit www.mwmarine.org for trips from Weston and Cardiff or www.bayislandvoyages.co.uk for fast rib rides from Cardiff Bay. Trips all year round.
Wildlife and Nature
Wildlife and Nature
What are they and what do they involve?
Wildlife and nature venues focus upon aspects such as the local environment and showcasing wildlife in their intended habitats. Falconry centres and forest exploration are good examples of what you can expect from such a venue; the emphasis is always on the more natural elements of the world around us, and how we can help it to flourish.
What are the benefits?
In a similar manner to a Zoo/Wildlife Park and an Environment Centre, these venues are excellent ways of educating students about the world around them in an accompaniment to their classroom learning. Experiencing wildlife in their natural habitats and seeing the effect humans can have upon them can be a new and memorable experience for many students, especially those from large cities!
What students is it suitable for?
Wildlife and Nature venues should interest students of all ages and tastes, but some extremely young students may get a little bored if the activity isn’t engaging enough; make sure the venue suits your specific group of pupils.
Costs?
Entry fees to wildlife and nature venues should normally come in under £10 – however, big establishments such as the Eden Project may run higher!
Safety Implications?
As with any outdoor activities, it’s important to make sure student groups are properly supervised and that the pupils obey any safety instructions issued to them on the day!
Venues for this Category
Dramatic views from the highest point on the Island
The Ventnor Downs rise steeply above the Victorian seaside town of Ventnor. With the sparkling sea below and the holm oak trees which have colonised the south facing chalk slopes there is almost a Mediterranean flavour to the landscape. On the top of the downs you find a complete change of landscape with large open areas of grass and heather.
We champion wildlife and green spaces across the whole area. With the help of our members, we are making a huge difference on the ground through our pioneering projects such as the Nature Improvement Area.
Rare wildflowers and a myriad of butterflies
A steep-sided dry stream valley on the edge of the Marlborough Downs near Swindon. Valued as flower-rich unimproved chalk grassland and traditional hay meadow. On entering the site visitors will glimpse a small spring fed stream bordered by hedgerow and old willow pollards. The stream separates the main valley from a colourful hay meadow.
South West Lakes Trust is the region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity. Its 50 inland water sites, spread across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2m visits annually. It is listed as being in the top 3,000 of the country's 150,000 charities.
Charming and captivating. But look a little closer and you'll unearth the hidden heritage of the Clee Hills and the Corvedale. Coal mining on the Clee Hills started in medieval times while the Corvedale was alight with blast furnaces and iron foundries. Billowing black smoke would have filled the valley as chunks of the hills were carved out.
WWT is a conservation charity that saves wetlands, which are essential for life itself. Wetlands are the primary source of drinking water for people and wildlife. They also connect us with nature, and with ourselves, through beautiful landscapes and inspiring encounters with wildlife.
Forest Schools Education Ltd (FSE) is a non-profit social enterprise, with the vision to create the most highly trained, motivated and passionate facilitators all around the world.
Essex Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity. It has more than 32,000 members, manages and protects over 7,250 acres of land on 87 nature reserves and 2 nature parks and runs 9 visitor centres. The aim of Essex Wildlife Trust is to Protect Wildlife for the Future.
Close to the city, in the heart of the country
Minnowburn is on the southern edge of Belfast, its meadows and woodlands rolling down to the Lagan river - perfect for a short stroll or the start of a longer walk.
Dander along the burn that gives the area its name, beeches towering above, past where generations of children fished for minnows.
Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel
These high chalk cliffs look out onto the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast.
Within the grounds of EDF Energy’s Cottam Power Station, sits Cottam Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife which school groups can access.
Visiting groups are based at the Nature Centre, which is managed in partnership with Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield and Mansfield. The Centre has a fully equipped classroom space, and have access to a range of habitats in this unique environment.
Carlton Marshes is an internationally important broadland nature reserve in the Waveney valley. The dykes and pools are teeming with wildlife and there are reed beds, flower rich meadows, marsh and woodland to explore. The education centre boasts panoramic views over the marshes, two teaching rooms, toilets and a picnic area.
An incredible underground journey by boat!
Enter the inner world of the underground cave system in the heart of the Peak District National Park and absorb the atmosphere as a watery silence echoes all around you.
Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnat's Pass, high above the village of Castleton, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.
This woodland is bursting with wildflowers, and in spring offer visitors the chance to see a velvet carpet of bluebells which covers the woodland floor.
Once there follow one of the circular walks to explore the wood, or visit the viewpoint for views to North West Alcester
A large coastal nature reserve with easy access routes, bird watching hides, freshwater pools, salt marshes, 2 miles of beach, rare plants and wildlife.
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.
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.
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:
The Royal Forest of Rockingham, a medieval hunting forest, is a beautiful patchwork of ancient woodlands and open agricultural land with historic features and attractive stone-built forest villages. Today the Forest offers visitors plenty of routes for walking, cycling and riding.
Schools
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
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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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Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.