Paula Irish
Welcoming children to our Education Centres for wild outdoor learning
A day out with us provides an unforgettable learning experience for children from nursery school up to sixth form college. School groups, uniform groups, home education groups and more can book a trip at one of our three Environmental Education Centres: Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, near Coventry, The Parkridge Centre, in Solihull or Hams Hall Environmental Studies Centre, near Coleshill.
All of our sessions support the National Curriculum from Foundation Stage to A-Level. They support core subjects, with focuses on science, geography and citizenship. All of our activities are practical based and designed to involve learners in understanding the environment, conservation and developing investigative skills by bringing topics to life!
School groups
Brandon Marsh Nature Centre
Brandon Marsh is the ideal place for your school visit as there are excellent opportunities for learning about wildlife, nature and the environment. We have ponds, bird hides, meadows and woodlands all set within our 200 acre nature reserve.
The Education Team can provide your school with a tailored package for your day, which could cover up to four different topics. We have excellent facilities for children of all ages as well as those with special educational needs. There is an area for children to eat their lunch outdoors or in the classroom as well as a tearoom if the teachers need a well-deserved cup of tea! The children can visit the gift shop during their lunchtime to purchase fun, wildlife souvenirs.
The Parkridge Centre
The Parkridge Centre is in a great location in the heart of Brueton Park, Solihull. It is ideal for all children, young and old to explore the area and experience the wonderful nature and wildlife across the enclosed five acre nature reserve. There is a classroom and courtyard for the children as well as a well-marked path through the park. The Nature Reserve has a lake which attracts birds and other wildlife, an arboretum which is ideal for minibeast hunting or den building, a Forest School Woodland and a play area that can be used at lunchtime.
The Parkridge Centre is a great place for introducing children to nature and the wildlife that they can find on their own doorstep. The reserve is very secure, with a fence running around it’s perimeter with easy access gates, if and when needed.
Hams Hall Environmental Studies Centre
Hams Hall Environmental Studies Centre is a hidden oasis of nature in an industrial world, located near Coleshill in North Warwickshire. Set within our historic walled garden there are many opportunities to explore and learn about wildlife. Hams Hall is a fantastic place to discover nature with viewing access to the neighbouring River Tame, ideal for learning about rivers and wetlands. Please note there are no cafés or shops.
Please note: We are currently only offering our Rivers Studies topic at Hams Hall.
School grounds
We can also visit you at your school and run a "trip" in your own grounds, or if you are looking for something more long term, our Forest School programme. It helps to keep transport costs to a minimum as well as being greener and allowing you to utilise the wild spaces you have on your doorstep. For more information please contact us.
We've been helping schools throughout Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire make a difference for nature in their school grounds. From providing resources to support action for nature to delivering bespoke sessions to kick start an eco team or school grounds improvements - we can help!
You can download a copy of our Warwickshire Wildlife Trust School Pond Pack and Wildlife Garden pack which will help you on your way to creating a fantastic wild area in your school.
School pond pack
School wildlife garden pack
Uniform groups
We deliver high quality affordable educational sessions for informal groups such as Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides at all levels. Sessions can be run just for fun or with a certain badge or theme in mind.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you or to arrange a pre-visit to either of our sites then please do not hesitate to contact us:
Phone 024 7630 2912
Email the education team at education@wkwt.org.uk.
Download our Uniform Group Pack to find out more!
Find out more in our Education Pack
FAQs
Find out more details about your day with us
How much does it cost per child?
£195.00 for a half day (10am - 12pm) and £295.00 for a full day (10am - 2pm) for up to 30 students
£390.00 for a half day and £590.00 for a full day, for up to 60 students.
All prices exclude VAT.
How many groups do I have to split the class into?
We work with up to 30 studuents with one leader and split them into smaller working groups, as and when needed.
When does my trip start?
Trips start at 10am and finish at 2pm. Any time after 2pm is unsupervised by our staff.
Is there somewhere to eat lunch?
Brandon Marsh Nature Centre has a covered picnic area and the Parkridge Centre has an outdoor area. If the weather is wet, you can eat lunch in our classrooms.
Is there a shop?
There is a shop at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre that the children can use if requested. The Parkridge Centre does have a small shop but it is not suitable for groups.
What happens if it rains?
We will always try and complete all the sessions as planned, but please ensure that all students are dressed appropriately for the weather.
How do I book?
To book simply get in touch with the education team, by emailing education@wkwt.org.uk in the first instance. We aim to respond within 72 hours. The team are often out delivering so this is the best way to enquire.
