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!
Situated in the spectacular setting of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Peak District, Ilam Park makes an ideal base to explore the other parts of the White Peak area.
White Peak incorporates several key areas that are well worth a visit. These include: Dovedale; the Manifold Valley; Ilam Park; Ecton Mine, Stanton Moor Edge; Miller's Dale and Ravenstor; and High Wheeldon.
Dover's Hill was the site of the original English Olympic Games, which began here 400 years ago in 1612.
Box Hill is the perfect place to discover a family walk and explore the beautiful Surrey Hills. Forming part of the North Downs, Box Hill has breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. It's home to some fantastic wildlife and plants too, including the Adonis blue butterfly and bee orchid.
Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot is a great, family friendly location to play, explore and relax. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, while easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating.
At five miles long, and with a maximum depth of 184 feet, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. It provided an important fish source for the monks of Furness Abbey who owned the lake and much of the surrounding land in the 13th and 14th Centuries.
Hembury and Holne contain two discreet woods on the south-eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Perched at the top of Hembury Woods with far reaching views over Dartmoor, the iron-age Hembury Hill Fort gives you a real sense of what it would have been like to live in a protected palisade.
Lose yourself in 214 acres of heath, gorse and coppice encompassing a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ancient woodland and military defences designed to give Napoleon a run for his money.
The sheltered waterway of the Cleddau runs from the county town of Haverfordwest down to Milford Haven. Along the way it passes Little Milford Wood, the ancient oak woodland of Lawrenny and tidal mudflats at West Williamston.
The mountains rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills, which provide the backdrop to the city's skyline. The rich, varied archaeological landscape is home to a host of wildlife. There are walking trails along a variety of terrain: through heath, on stone tracks, along boardwalks and road surface.
Explore the quaint village of Noss Mayo situated at the mouth of the river Yealm.
Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature.
A rare and precious habitat, the Heath is home to special species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and much more.
With fantastic views of the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Valley is a haven for wildlife, from over-wintering wildfowl to colourful wild flowers.
Cradle Valley is a wonderful example of this species-rich chalk grassland, attracting rare and colourful butterflies and plants in summer.
Wild and rugged with heart thumping walks, East Portlemouth to Prawle Point is a complete contrast to its busier neighbour Salcombe. Leave the crowds behind and discover unspoilt beaches and blustery cliffs where you might not meet a soul for miles.
We proudly care for some of the Llŷn Peninsula's best beaches and most stunning headland - from the sweeping beach and colourful beach huts of Llanbedrog to the whistling sands at Porthor.
Follow a clifftop walk with breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast with a night under the stars at Prattshayes caravan and campsite.
Bolberry Down has levelled circular trails through a breathtaking coastal landscape.
A circular walk around the flat plateau of Bolberry Down offers easy walking and far-reaching views of South Devon. Take your time and visit the viewpoints, take a seat and immerse yourself in this spectacular coastline.
Perfect for a walk or picnic, the tranquil, ancient parkland of Dunsland park once befitted the grand house that stood in its midst.
The park is home to a variety of trees, including 700-year-old Sweet Chestnuts and old fruit trees.
Wander around the remaining buildings of Tudor Dunsland House. All apart from the old stable and coach house were lost in a fire in the 1960s.
The Mendip Hills run east-west across Somerset from Frome to Brean Down. Inside they are hiding fascinating secrets such as underground caves and rivers, making the hills a popular centre for caving.
From the outside they reveal centuries of history from the pre-historic at Cheddar to the Iron-Age at Brent Knoll and a Victorian fort at Brean Down.
Situated in the picturesque Chiltern Hills, this group of popular beauty spots offers fabulous walking opportunities. Pleasant day long walks with a pub stop can take you through the intimate landscape of woods, farms and hamlets that make up much of the Chilterns.
This stretch of coast between Bude and Morwenstow is one of Cornwall's wild and dramatic corners with a character all of its own. You'll find beaches such as Sandymouth, perfect for rockpooling or surfing, and backdrops of sheer cliffs made of stony clay rock.
Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging walk there are many exhilarating coastal walks to enjoy.
Burton Bradstock is one of the main gateways to the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path.
The estate is easy to access and offers spectacular cliff-top views along the many varied and picturesque coastal walks.
There's more to Boscastle than a picturesque natural harbour and village.
The Elizabethan quay sits in an impressive amphitheatre of steep cliffs and is home to quaint stone-built cottages, shops and tea-rooms.
Once part of the Longleat estate, the hill was entrusted to us by the 6th Marquess of Bath. Ascend the hill to enjoy extensive views of West Wiltshire and Somerset, or to experience uninterrupted views of the sky from this locally famous UFO hotspot.
Visit one of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex. East Head is an example of the nationally rare and fragile, yet dynamic, sand-dune habitat.
Walk, play and sunbathe on the beach, which is considered one of the best in Sussex. Or just admire the yachts that anchor off the northern end, where you may spot the occasional seal.
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.