We have a range of pre-planned full or half day activity sessions that can enhance the national curriculum and give learners of all ages the opportunity to explore nature. Sessions have been planned considering the seasons, habitats and the sightings of wildlife throughout the year. Dates also correspond with the academic school year: spring, summer and autumn terms.
Activity sessions are closely linked to the science and geography curriculum, and there’s plenty of opportunities for thematic learning both during the sessions, and to take back to the classroom. It cannot be underestimated how time spent in the natural world can spark creativity, inspiration and enthusiasm for learning. A session spent identifying woodland species or trees may be planned with the science and geography curriculums in mind, but the opportunities for creative art work, literacy works to describe their surroundings or create poems or even practicing our mathematic and numeracy skills out in the woods!
Our sessions can be adapted to suit your learners’ needs and requirements, and we have lots of lovely hands on and fun sessions planned for every year group, including the Early Years Foundation Stage, often using favourite books and stories to engage our littlest visitors! Watchtree takes great pride in being “a wildlife haven and community asset for all”, and our commitment to being an inclusive and accessible space means that we welcome and encourage visits from groups with special educational needs, learning disabilities and other groups that may struggle to access nature elsewhere
To organise a visit, please complete the booking form with specific details related to your group. Information about the sessions available are displayed on the posters below. If you would like to discuss a session in more detail contact our education and well-being officer. Email: learning@watchtree.co.uk
Half-day Session
Time: 9.30 – 12.00pm
Duration: 2.5 hours
Number of participants: Up to 25
Full Day Session
Time: 9.30 – 3pm
Duration: 5 hours with 30 minutes break for lunch
Number of participants: Up to 25
Depending on group size and availability, we may be able to offer two educational leaders on a full day basis. This can be discussed as required.
Other activities can also be available for you, for example, orienteering or cycle hire. These would be at an additional cost, and can be discussed during the initial enquiries.
On your visit you may decide to bring a packed lunch or return to your education setting for a late lunch. Alternatively, we can provide a kids food bag for the children, at an additional cost.
At the edge of Pond Wood there is access to the compost toilets, which are wheelchair accessible. There is no access to running water around the education zone. There are facilities also available in the visitor centre, including our wonderful café.
All our sessions are risk assessed and lead by a qualified staff members who hold enhanced DBS and level 3 first aid qualifications.
