Learning Programmes

Image © J Drew and Activities

Protecting Wildlife for the Future Learning with LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES 3 Forest School Wildlife Trust Forest School is an inspirational learning All our activities are fully risk assessed; using approach that offers regular hands-on our maintained woodland reserves, tools Our activities enable young people to We have been awarded The Learning opportunities in a safe, outdoor environment and equipment. Every session offers unique connect with nature and learn outside Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge. to develop learning, behaviour and life skills. experiences and the chance to learn new skills. Activities include: the classroom. Learners explore different This badge is the only nationally recognised Learners are given the opportunity to re- habitats, learn new skills and have fun indicator of good quality educational engage with nature through our exciting ✔ Fire building whilst meeting your curriculum objectives. provision and effective risk management. Forest School activities; developing skills and ✔ Teambuilding challenges increasing knowledge, understanding and We are the leading wildlife charity in ✔ Shelter building Kent; bringing people closer to nature respect for their environment. Forest School ✔ and ensuring our wildlife is protected is cross-curricular and enhances personal, Wild cooking on a fire and restored in the future. social and emotional skills whilst supporting ✔ Using tools the National Curriculum. We tailor our ✔ We have a passion for connecting learners programmes to be effective for all ages, abilities Woodland species identification with nature and offering high quality, and learning styles to ensure learners connect ✔ Natu re i nspired crafts meaningful learning experiences. We offer with nature. flexible learning options; we can tailor our sessions to suit the needs of your learners Did you know? Many schools use their and support additional and special needs. Pupil and Sport Premium funding to get their learners involved with Forest School. This funding can also be We had an excellent time. Lots of time to get used with our CPD and staff training offers. Image © J Drew “ ‘hands on’ and active. Year 1 teacher Forest School Programmes Key Key Early Key (Recommended min. 6 weekly sessions) Forest School Activity ”Duration stage stage years stage 1 2 3 A wonderful opportunity for young people to Experience Days Forest School Programmes Full day (min. 6 weeks) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ explore, discover and learn through a programme A perfect way for learners or teaching staff Forest School Experience Days Full day ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ of weekly sessions in a natural, wooded to discover Forest School at one of our environment over a range of seasons. beautiful nature reserves. During a typical Half day/full day if combined Magical Minibeasts ✔ ✔ ✔ Forest School has been shown to: day, learners safely light a fire, boil water to with Dipping Detectives make their own hot drink, build shelters, Half day/full day if combined • Improve self-esteem, confidence and resilience Dipping Detectives ✔ ✔ ✔ explore the woodland or make their own with Magical Minibeasts • Improve physical health, mental and emotional animal habitat homes. ✔ ✔ ‘Explore-a-Story’ Days Full days wellbeing Half day or full day if combined Rivers ✔ ✔ • Develop problem solving skills and enthusiasm Forest School is fantastic with Rock Stars for learning Half day/full day if combined Rock Stars ✔ for their development and with Rivers • Develop knowledge and respect for nature and the environment Perfect Plants Half day/full day ✔ ✔ just as important • Build learning capacity, encouraging creative as class work and independent thinking For our current prices and risk assessments please visit our website. Parent ” Our offer! kentwildlifetrust.org.uk 4 LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES 5

Magical Dipping Rivers Rock Stars Our Wildlife Reserve is the perfect This highly practical session explores the setting for this interactive day of physical and amazing world beneath our feet. Learners will Minibeasts Detectives biological investigations. The programme begins handle and sort rock samples and learn how Young explorers will set off into the ‘wild’ to seek A chance to discover what lies beneath the with the main features of a river using our they fit into the rock cycle and how soil is made. out and capture unsuspecting invertebrates in water’s surface in one our most fascinating model river flume, and then considers the way Using our large array of local and international our different habitats. By closely studying their habitats; our pond. Using a hand lens and the River Darent has developed and how man rocks, learners will learn to recognise different finds, learners will discover more about the pictorial keys, learners will work together to has altered its pathway. rock groups according to their characteristics; creatures and older learners will be encouraged identify their finds and learn more about the Using a variety of measuring techniques, understanding rocks are made of minerals to compare and contrast a range of habitats different ways they live, breath and move. learners will investigate the physical aspects and that soil is made from minerals and through a more detailed investigation, using Learners will consider their place in the food of the river by looking at the profile of the river dead decaying animals and plants. They will keys, looking at adaptations and food chains. chain and how they have adapted to their bed and the flow of water at different points. experiment by making their own soil and fossils. underwater environment. They will also undertake a biological survey and investigate the results, considering the The soil workshop was really enjoyable.

Image © J Drew adaptations that help the organisms to thrive There was a good mixture of hands-on activities Image © J Drew “ in the moving water. to keep them focused and engaged Linton Park School Year 3 teacher ” Image © J Drew Image © J Drew My favourite thing was looking at all Really good – child led and “the small animals under the microscope “pitched to their age group. Amazing! Learner ” The New Beacon School Year R teacher” ‘Explore-a-Story’ Days This enchanting programme offers the perfect Following the introductory story time session, Perfect Plants introduction to environmental study, ideal learners enjoy a series of themed activities Let learners explore the wonderful world Fabulous Flowers for pre-school or Key Stage 1 learners. With related to your chosen story. This will usually of Fabulous Flowers and Tremendous Trees. Learners explore our wildflower areas, a range of titles to choose from, the day offers include a fun nature trail, a minibeast hunt They will learn all they need to know about investigating flower structures and their a lively mix of activities designed to bring the or pond dipping. green plants; the building blocks of habitats purpose, the role of insects in pollination and

stories to life. Our story days are guaranteed to through exciting activities. the plant life cycle from seed to seed. inspire and excite budding nature explorers. Please visit our website to Tremendous Trees allows learners to identify view all of our available stories The students thoroughly enjoyed Thank you for such a lovely day. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk different trees using leaves, nuts, seeds and “We were warmly welcomed, the resources “the time they spent at this splendid flowers. They learn about the importance were all ready and the activities lovely. wildlife reserve of trees in habitats and how they can host There was no stress, just smiles Knowle Academy” Year 8 teacher a huge range of creatures. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School” Year R teacher Book early to secure your date! 6 LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES 7

Bringing Nature to You Professional Development Image © J Drew Forest School in Your Grounds Bringing the Outside In for Wilder Outdoor Learning We bring our trained staff to your school, For those unable to benefit from a visit to one saving you transportation costs and staff time. of our education centres, Kent Wildlife Trust Professional Development and CPD Wildlife Study Days Our teams plan and deliver bespoke outdoor has developed a range of half and full day Increase staff knowledge and enthusiasm for Enhance your learning and increase your programmes giving learners the opportunity opportunities that will bring the wild to you. outdoor learning through a suite of CPD sessions. skills by attending one of our Wildlife Study to explore outdoor spaces whilst supporting Our trained staff bring our range of specialist Our outdoor learning experts deliver a range Days. A mixture of one day and longer term More their personal, social and educational information resources to life! of workshops and training sessions that give courses are available, which run throughout development. on Forest School on Our sessions include: teachers the confidence and enthusiasm to take the year. page 3 Forest School fits all learning styles and their class outside. • Bioblitz – ground survey identifying and We offer a wide range of learning encourages and engages learners of all abilities. recording all species found Bespoke sessions are available; these can be opportunities to help you increase your Activities support many areas of development • Rocks – explore our huge rock collection delivered at our reserves or in your school grounds. wildlife knowledge, which you can take back including: to the classroom; informing your practice. • Water – investigate water in our local Training sessions include: • Confidence • Geography environment Training sessions include: • Creativity • Problem Solving ✔ Outdoor maths ✔ Natu re • Wildlife conservation – inspire tomorrow’s ✔ Getting more from bird watching • Literacy • Initiative ✔ Outdoor literacy ✔ Outdoor history nature enthusiasts ✔ Identifying reptiles • Mental Wellbeing • History ✔ Fire management ✔ Stone Age We are happy to develop workshops on request, ✔ • Handling Risks • Team Work ✔ Shelter building ✔ Romans Guide to fungi simply contact us to discuss your requirements. • Numeracy • Independent Thinking ✔ Creating a base ✔ Rocks and soils ✔ Wildflowers • Communication • Science camp ✔ ✔ Tree identification Spending time in nature is known to improve ✔ Environmental art • Resilience physical and mental health and wellbeing, with Outdoor science ✔ Identification of bumblebees Forest School is a very helpful tool time and space to explore, learn and develop. ✔ Plus many more! “in social and emotional development From reptiles to mammals and flowers to Teacher School Grounds Development ” trees; we can help you grow your wildlife Is your Forest School area in need of a refresh? skills and knowledge. Celebration and Transition Days Are you looking at ways to develop your outdoor space? Join us for a fun day of teambuilding, celebrating For dates and to book please We can provide our professional expertise visit our website class achievements of the year or supporting to review the use of your outdoor space kentwildlifetrust.org.uk the transition to a new school. Enjoy exclusive or Forest School. use of our wonderful woodland base camps for Wild About Gardens Enhancing your school grounds for wildlife or an action packed day led by our qualified Forest Award Scheme School staff. creating an outdoor learning environment is a section for further great way to make the most of your site. We will If your school has a wildlife See our Forest School visit to assess your current grounds and discuss garden or is developing a details on activities. your requirements. We will then produce a nature area, you can enter our report outlining all our recommendations and FREE scheme, receive a visit further guidance, to help you progress. This can and you can win an award. be run alongside planning sessions with learners Visit our website for further information and activity sessions such as tree planting or meadow sowing. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Dartford

Sheerness

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre Denstead Wood Visitor Centre Sevenoaks Bough Our Education Centre Tunbridge Wells

Ashford Education Centres Visitor Centre

Tyland Barn Visitor Centre Bough Beech Education Centre and Nature Park and Nature Reserve Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BD Winkhurst Green, , TN14 6LD The nature park has been specially designed The 19th century Oast House and to represent – in miniature – the diverse surrounding reserve at Bough Beech range of habitats to be found in Kent. With offers one of our most enchanting and a large pond, meadow, chalk bank, hedge, tranquil locations. Adjacent to Bough scrub and even a shingle beach, the site Beech Reservoir, the site boasts a range is a very flexible location for a range of of interesting habitats, including a pond, fascinating studies. meadow, woodland and an ancient orchard.

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Romney Marsh Visitor Centre and Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH , TN28 8AY This wonderful site consists of five stunning The site has an award-winning lakes, ponds, seasonally flooded pools, reed Visitor Centre, with many eco-friendly beds, woodland and the River Darent flows features and offers an interesting through part of the reserve. It offers a diverse teaching environment, with dune community of plants, fungi and animals, grassland, willow scrub and seasonal plus a spectacular site for birds. ponds. A replica ‘Lookers’ Hut’ adds a historical dimension to group visits. Denstead Wood

Near Chartham Hatch, , CT4 7NT For further information on the facilities Part of the South Blean ancient woodland, and accessibility of our sites visit Denstead Wood consists of mixed native kentwildlifetrust.org.uk deciduous woodland, conifer and sweet chestnut plantations. To book call: 01622 662012

Head Office: Kent Wildlife Trust, Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3BD Tel: 01622 662012

[email protected] | kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Registered Charity No. 239992. A company limited in England and Wales by guarantee 633098. Registered at the above address.

Protecting Wildlife for the Future