Educational Visits

Scientific studies suggest taking time to connect with nature has a positive impact with a person’s health and wellbeing and this is particularly noticeable with young people. We are always being told by teachers that they see huge differences in behaviour, confidence and personality on these visits as the children are in a completely different environment and context. These insights are often unexpected! They see evidence of leadership and teamwork in a way that is not evident in a usual classroom environment.

Benefits of outdoor learning:

• A healthy and happy body and mind
• A sociable, confident person
• A self-directed and creative learner
• An effective contributor
• An active global citizen
• Encourages creative development
• Encourages a respect and understanding for the environment.

We currently offer programmes for Early Years/Reception, KS1 & KS2 which have been developed with teachers to meet the National Curriculum. Should you wish to bring secondary or further education students, please do get in touch as we can tailor a programme to specifically suit your needs.  These are all interactive and packed with fun activities linking children to their local landscape, nature and heritage. 

Acorns To Oaks – Early Years / Reception

The wildlife of the Great Fen is introduced through magical, interactive story-telling and exploration. The concepts of habitats and camouflage are introduced through the various activities. This program can be offered as a full or half day visit.

Wildlife Investigators - KS1/2

Become a Great Fen Wildlife monitoring Officer for the day. Students are tasked with the discovery and identification of species and their habitats in order to save the nature reserve from potential development! Activities may include pond dipping, mini-beast hunting, sweep netting, tree shaking and the introduction of equipment such as binoculars, specimen pots and maps. The ideas of adaptation and food webs are also introduced and explored. There will be an opportunity to try out den building or creating wild art. (Activities are subject to seasonal variations.) 

• A free and highly recommended pre-visit to discuss your activities, outline our health and safety policy and see where the activities will take place.
• Use of our Countryside Classroom where bags can be left and lunch can be taken in the event of inclement weather.
• Use of our beautiful outdoor shelter for discussions and activities. 
• Toilet facilities including disabled toilet.
• Fully qualified, experienced and enthusiastic members of staff and trained volunteers to lead the activities.
• All equipment, identification charts and details of all activities
• Suggested schedules for the day’s activities sent to you in advance.
• Health and safety information and full site and activity risk assessments.
• Free parking.
• Free places for teachers and helpers.

We recommend you book as early as possible as we do get very busy during June and early July. Please contact us to check availability and discuss your needs via info@greatfen.org.uk or 01487 815524. 

Email us!

If you decide to visit you will need to:

• Contact us regarding availability of your preferred date.
• Provisionally book a date.
• Confirm the date after transport, staffing etc. has been arranged.
• Arrange a pre-visit to let us know what programme you would like to do and what you want the children to achieve during their visit.
• Distribute health and safety information, schedules and any instructions to accompanying teachers and helpers.

Once you have booked we will send you, in advance, all the information you will need. This will include:

• A suggested schedule for the day.
• Health and safety information including detailed risk assessments for all activities, reserve and buildings.
• A map and directions to our reserve if necessary.
• An outline of the role of adult helpers.
• A guide to your day out with us including what to bring and wear.

For 2024/25 our prices are £8 per child for a full day and £6 for a half day for Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 with all accompanying adults free. 

We will send you an invoice after your visit; please ensure that the number of children attending is on your booking form.