Education

SCHOOL VISITS TO WARNHAM LOCAL NATURE RESERVE

The 92 acre Local Nature Reserve is bursting with insect, bird, and plant life just waiting to be discovered by enthusiastic nature loving school children. The voyage of discovery is along a variety of grassy, leafy, surfaced and board walked routes.

When can we visit?

Schools are welcome on weekdays from mid-May to mid-July.

What facilities are available?

Car park: with ample space for coach parking, if requested.

Courtyard: with plenty of picnic tables should you wish to bring a packed lunch. The café is open everyday and will cater for school groups if requested).

Safe storage area: where bags and belongings, that are not required while out on the reserve, can remain leaving hands free for nature investigations.

Nature trail : self guided around the Reserve

Worksheets: are designed to each schools particular requirements

Giant Jigsaw puzzle : is built by the children as an introduction to the activity session

How is our visit structured?

With 60 children arriving on site they are split into two groups. The first group of 30 are subsequently split into two groups of 15 and led by two, friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Wardens on a 2-hour ‘hands on’ activity session around the Reserve.

The other 30 can explore the Reserve with teacher led activities. Groups are swapped at lunchtime.

What topics can be studied?

Through a series of exciting ’hands on’ activities such as pond dipping, log pile safaris, sweep netting, and sensory games, a variety of national curriculum topics are quickly covered.

Habitat studies and comparisons Minibeasts

Food chains Caring for the environment

Adaptation Keys and recording

How much does it cost? (2008 prices)

Schools visiting from inside Horsham District = £1.75 per child

Schools visiting from outside Horsham District = £3.10 per child. All adults are free; a ratio of 1 adult to 5 children is requested.

Who do we contact?

Booking is essential, a pre-visit and individual program to suit your needs can be arranged by contacting Sarah Johnson on 01403 256890 or sarah.johnson@horsham.gov.uk