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!
Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, the craggy landscape of St Abb’s Head on the Berwickshire coast is a National Nature Reserve famous for its clamouring seabirds, rugged coastline, rich grasslands and crystal-clear waters.
A veritable ‘seabird city’, St Abb’s Head is a year-round haven for birdwatchers, walkers and wildlife lovers.
Birds of prey are constantly showing off their skills at this amazing centre, where breeding and conservation are of paramount importance. Many different types of birds of prey are on display here, including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons.
Cotswold Falconry Centre aims to be one of the friendliest Raptor centres in the country.
Come and explore our unique tropical haven of wonderful plants and animals situated in the heart of the city.
Why Plantasia?
This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.
Here you will find magnificent cliiftop walks, affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring North Coast.
For many years the commons have been at the heart of the local community. At over 874 acres, the wide variety of landscapes offers the perfect escape to the country.
From the Thames riverbank to woodlands and wildflower meadows, there's a lot to discover whether you're on foot, bike or even horseback.
We care for some beautiful stretches of land between Lantic Bay and Lansallos in south east Cornwall.
Pencarrow Head is a great starting point, with views of the unspoilt sands of Lantic Bay to the west and the many coves of Lantivet Bay to the east.
Skirting the National Nature Reserve of the South Gower Coast, overlooking Rhossili Bay, the large National Trust shop boasts a range of Trust and local gifts, as well as providing local information.
It is a great place to begin touring this interesting area. The Visitor Centre displays regular exhibitions.
Explore the miles of footpaths, bridleways and easy access trails offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders.
Wonder at the 18th-century follies which form the backdrop to the picturesque Hagley Hall.
This outstanding area of limestone pavements, upland hill farms and flower-rich hay meadows provides a marvellous setting for walking, cycling or just enjoying the great outdoors.
The National Nature Reserve is home to a unique community of rare plants and animals - the bird hide in particular is worth a visit.
Learning
Nant Gwynant is one of the most dramatic and beautiful valleys in Wales. It's northern slopes rise to the summit of our highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and to the south lies the relatively undisturbed hills of Moel y Dyniewyd and the Moelwynion range.
Our nature reserves: a unique resource for outdoor learning. Woodland, flower-rich meadows, hills, wild heathland and wetlands ringing with bird calls: our nature reserves are found throughout Shropshire and, together, total 750 hectares. They protect rare and threatened habitats but can also be a gateway for children to experience the natural world.
Coastal and woodland walks with superb views over the estuary and sea.
With views towards Leith Hill, the highest point in south east England, Denbies Hillside is a great spot for wildlife-watching.
Named after John Denby, a 17th-century farmer, the hillside is home to a great variety of plants and animals, including adonis blue and chalkhill blue butterflies.
The great rocky shoulder of Golden Cap offers magnificent views at every compass point. On a clear day you can see across Lyme Bay to Dartmoor - well worth the effort of the walk uphill.
Stonebarrow Hill is a great starting point for 25 miles of footpaths around the Golden Cap estate. An old radar station houses a National Trust information point, shop, toilets and a basecamp.
Devil’s Dyke, just five miles north of Brighton, offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat.
Escape to a rural retreat just a few miles south-west of Bristol, where'll you discover fantastic views from the ridge across the Severn estuary to Wales and north back to Bristol. Enjoy peaceful woodlands and babbling brooks.
Famous for its mussels, the fishing village of Brancaster Staithe lies on the shores of the beautiful north Norfolk coast. Follow the history of the fishing industry at Brancaster Quay, enjoy one of the many courses available at the flagship Brancaster Activity Centre.
Ben Lawers is Scotland's tenth highest Munro and the central Highlands' highest mountain, stretching 1,214m (3,984ft) above Loch Tay. Ranger-led activities to meet curriculum requirements can be organised by arrangement.
We have a Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve Information Sheet written for teachers, which you can download (PDF format).
Visit Combe Wood, 10 acres of mixed ash and oak woodland.
Criss-crossed with pathways, this is the perfect place for a sheltered walk on a warm day and a favourite for local residents.
In spring time the wood is transformed by a carpet of vibrant bluebells and purple orchids.
Take a short boat trip to this wild and remote shingle spit, the largest in Europe.
Follow trails through a stunning landscape and a history that will both delight and intrigue.
Discover an internationally important nature reserve littered with debris and unusual, often forbidding, buildings from a sometimes disturbing past.
Explore Brimham Rocks, and have a great day out at nature's playground.
This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.
Bembridge and Culver Downs form a dramatic promontory at the east end of the Isle of Wight. The cliffs are part of the same chalk ridge that forms the Needles and cliffs of Tennyson Down in the west. Feel the wind in your hair and admire the views over Sandown Bay and the Solent from this high point perched on top of the cliffs.
Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills.
Lying on the north western edge of the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale is home to some of England’s most vibrant natural environments and one of the longest running wild land restoration projects in the UK.
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.