Join us for a great family day out in the stunning surroundings of Loch Creran. Visit the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, home to a spectacular aquarium as well as Scotland's leading Seal Hospital.
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
Iron Age hill fort with far-reaching views and spectacular wildflowers
Hambledon Hill is one of the most iconic sites in Dorset, rising steeply to 190 metres above the Blackmore Vale and the river Stour with fantastic views into the neighbouring counties of Wiltshire and Somerset. The site is of exceptional archaeological and ecological value and provides important accesss opportunities as well as being of nationally important landscape value.
Local people see the shape of a sleeping dragon in Earl’s Hill and fiery its beginnings certainly were. This distinctive, humped hill roared forth from a volcano some 650 million years ago. An Iron Age hill fort was built on its lofty summit around 600 BC and if you can manage the very steep climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views.
Tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey
The Wey was one of the first British rivers to be made navigable, and opened to barge traffic in 1653.
Unspoilt beach, farmland and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast
Spend a day on this quiet stretch of the West Dorset coast where you can take a walk across the cliff tops above Ringstead, bring a kite, or pack a picnic and follow one of the steep ancient tracks down to the shingle beach. The water is incredibly clear and safe for bathing.
A secluded, unspolit beach at Ayrmer
Located next to the beautiful village of Ringmore, Ayrmer Cove is an amazing site with stunning open cliff faces and rock formations with views out to secluded coves.
Beautiful and breathtaking views on the Gower peninsula
Breathtaking Rhossili bay, with its three mile long sandy beach, is overlooked by the Old Rectory, the most popular National Trust holiday cottage. Visible on the beach at low tide are the remains of the Helvetia, a ship wrecked in 1887.
Spectacular escarpment with sweeping views across the Weald
This stretch of the North Downs is good walking country with flower-sprinkled grasslands and quiet shady woods. A lovely spot too for family picnics and games.
Sitting proud at the top of the Hill is the 19th-century Reigate Fort. The fort commands a historic defensive position looking out over the weald towards the South Downs.
Discover a medieval castle, now a green oasis for wildlife but still at the centre of daily life
Although you might not think it today, the mount and surrounding lands are the remnant of an early medieval wooden motte and bailey castle built by Sweyn, Sheriff of Essex. With the castle long gone, the area is now an urban wildlife haven and green lung in the heart of Rayleigh town centre, offering sweeping views across the Crouch Valley.
A place apart where beauty and adventure come to life
From towering sea cliffs, rolling hills and heaths to the dunes and sandy beaches of Studland, nowhere else packs such a variety of landscapes into such a small area.
As a result, Purbeck is the richest place for plant life in Britain, home to 14 out of 17 British bat species and supports all six native reptiles.
Washington Wetland Centre, set on the banks of the River Wear, is a perfect destination for every type of group. In particular, we welcome school groups of all sizes, all year round.
Get close to rare and exotic birds, mammals and different wetland habitats. Walk with a warden, bug hunt or tour the duckery. You’ll also see colourful flamingos and the rarest goose in the world!
Our 450 acre mosaic of pools, lagoons, reed beds, marshes and meadows provides a wildlife haven.
Hand feed the rarest goose in the world, see our colourful flamingos, go bug hunting or pond dipping, enjoy bird watching from our hides and explore the reserve to see butterflies, dragonflies and more!
Get your wellies on then!
One of the UK's largest urban Nature Reserves at a whopping 247 acres including a wide range of habitats great for exploring and nature spotting: woodlands, grasslands, heath land and wetlands plus way marked Nature and Sculpture Trails if you’re nervous about getting lost… given the size of the place a reasonable concern!
Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a unique outdoor learning opportunity. Once an active quarry site, Brockholes has been transformed into a nature reserve with a variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands and meadows.
Mere Sands Wood is a beautiful wildlife haven comprised of woodlands, lakes and meadows. There is an indoor activity room available for school visits, as well as fully accessible pathways throughout the woodlands and an accessible pond dipping platform making it an ideal location to study mini beasts, pond life and carry out wildlife surveys.
An urban oasis for wildlife and people, just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. Stroll among the lakes, ponds and gardens. The café is perfect for relaxing, and kids will love the play areas.
Book a guided learning session
Step into a wilder world where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Come and enjoy each season, from ducklings to migrating swans - you’ll be amazed at how close you can get to fantastic wetland wildlife.
Book a guided learning session
Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds, bats and migrant birds whilst taking in stunning estuary views. Our spring duckery tour is an unforgettable experience.
Miles of golden sand
Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and affords views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, quad-pod rides, surfing, slacklining and long walks into the sand dunes where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark gree
A dramatic and rugged coastline with an abundant variety of wildlife
This spectacular stretch of coastline offers fine views and hidden delights. Heading north from Polzeath discover Pentire Point and The Rumps, views of which inspired First World War poet Lawrence Binyon.
Exploring South East Cornwall's history and culture
The fishing villages of Polperro and Looe are ideal starting points to explore this part of South East Cornwall. With a range of walks for all abilities there are some great opportunities for everyone to take in this unspoilt coast along the South West Coast Path.
Features include an adventure playground, picnic sites, BBQ stands and bird watching area. Also the starting point for numerous self-guided walking and family cycling trails, including routes for people with disabilities.
Wood Lane is a man-made nature reserve on restored quarry workings. A visit here offers the unique opportunity to combine wildlife sessions with a tour of the working sand and gravel quarry, active landfill site and the largest material recycling facility in Europe.Toilets, disabled access, classroom, coach parking.
Activity examples:
The Boathouse occupies a beautiful spot overlooking The Mere in Ellesmere. Each spring, herons nest on Moscow Island and our cameras catch all the action. Experts are on hand to answer questions and can provide educational sessions on these amazing birds.
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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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