The bustling Lake District villages of Windermere and Ambleside are situated around lake Windermere, England’s longest lake. With fells, woodland, parks, the quirky little Bridge House and a Roman fort on offer, this part of the Lake District is great for families looking for fun in the great outdoors.
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
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.
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.
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.
The rooftop of Wales
Abergwesyn Commons stretch for 12 miles between the Nant Irfon valley in the west and Llanwrthwl in the east. Drygarn Fawr is the highest point on the commons, lying above the Nant Irfon valley. From its summit it's possible to walk eastwards along the entire ridge almost on the level.
A wild stretch of coastline from blue lagoon to beach
Popular with divers and coasteerers, Abereiddi's Blue Lagoon is a spectacular coastal feature. The lagoon is actually a flooded former slate quarry and you can still see atmospheric ruined quarry buildings on the clifftops.
Discover the place that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust
Toy's Hill is more than 200 acres (81 hectares) of woodland. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its abundant wildlife, and much of it is recognised as a Grade I site of national importance for nature conservation.
The National Nature Reserve status of Bradfield Woods recognises the fact that this is one of the most important woods in the country. Bradfield Woods is steeped in history and brimming with wildlife. The award-winning carbon-positive building includes a classroom, covered veranda and toilets.
Lackford Lakes is a wildlife haven created from gravel pits. Designated SSSI, with wetland, woodland, scrub, sandy heath and 11 lakes, birds and other wildlife can be seen close-up all year round. Located at the heart of the reserve, the centre has a classroom overlooking the reedbed, viewing gallery, picnic area and toilets.
Escape to this spectacular riverside garden and be absorbed by natural beauty
Bordered by the River Wye, The Weir sits within unspoilt Herefordshire countryside and has many historical secrets to uncover. For centuries this site has been used as a pleasure ground for fishing, boating and swimming. It is managed in a natural way to create a varied habitat for wildlife.
As well as a range of native trees and wildlife (including budgies and guinea pigs!) there's an aviary and a play area for children. The island also provides wonderful views upstream of the weir and the wooded slopes of the Cliveden Estate.
Beautiful open downland,sheer chalk cliffs and dramatic sea views
Be inspired as Tennyson was
Tennyson Down is probably one of the most popular places to walk on the Island. You can enjoy it just for the great leg-stretch from Freshwater Bay to the Needles Headland, and drink in the salt laden air that so inspired Tennyson. However every time you visit, the light and weather conditions are different so it is well worth returning.
The most famous of the mountains in Northern Ireland
The Mournes are visited by many tourists, hillwalkers, cyclists and rock climbers. The mountains are immortalised in a song written by Percy French in 1896, 'Mountains o'Mourne' and famously by Don McLean. They also influenced C.S. Lewis to write The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Quiet nature reserve with a surprising array of habitats
The Chase is a small property of 143 acres of woodland near the village of Woolton Hill, close to the Hampshire/Berkshire border, which supports a wide community of walkers and regular visitors through schools and naturalist groups.
The land was bought by Sir Kenneth Swan in 1930 and the site soon transformed into the nature reserve that stands today.
Traditional hay meadows rich in wild flowers
Three enclosed fields of exceptionally species-rich, unimproved, neutral grassland, managed as traditional hay meadows, near Chippenham. Two are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the other is a designated County Wildlife Site.
With its fantastic population of green-winged and southern marsh orchids, Sutton Lane Meadows is one of the best meadow sites in Wiltshire.
Iconic mountains, rich countryside and a sweeping 18th century landscaped park
The Sugarloaf and Usk Valley is a landscape of contrasts.
It’s where the dramatic Black Mountains give way to broader, rich and green open pastures
The iconic peak of the Sugarloaf mountain watches over the market town of Abergavenny, dominating the surrounding landscape and offering glorious views towards mid-Wales in one direction and south-west England in another
Abandon the car - this is Pembrokeshire's walking country
This is the most rugged and remote stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast, from the peak of Garn Fawr near Strumble Head to the cliffs of Pen yr Afr in the north.
Pen Anglas and Dinas Island guard the entrance to Fishguard Harbour, and Castell Farmhouse is a holiday cottage with a view few can equal. Linked throughout by the coast path, it offers splendid coastal walking.
Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland
A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Ideal for water sports and includes the most popular naturist beach in Britain. The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife and features all six British reptiles.
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