School visits to Nature Reserve

Information pack

Contact: Claire Scott (Education Officer) Email: [email protected] Mobile no: 07581 194940

Welcome

The RSPB

We are the largest wildlife conservation organisation in Europe with over one million members and our work is focused on the species and habitats that are in the greatest danger. The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment, for more details see http://www.rspb.org.uk/about/whatwedo/

The aims of our education work here are to connect as many young people as possible with the natural environment through first hand experience and to ensure that young people in the UK complete their education with an understanding of the importance of their natural heritage and the part they can play in its future.

For further information on the RSPB and education please visit our website www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/teaching/

Funding for school visits

The RSPB is offering Primary Schools free educational visits to Marazion Marsh nature reserve. These visits are available to all groups thanks to funding from Natural England.

Natural England administers funding through the Environmental Stewardship Schemes. These schemes help farmers and other land managers to protect and improve the countryside for our wildlife and heritage. Funding is also available to promote an understanding of land management and how important it is to the survival of our wildlife.

For further information about Natural England and Environmental Stewardship Schemes please visit www.naturalengland.org.uk

Contents

1 What we can offer you Pg 3

2 During your visit Pg 6

3 How to book a visit Pg 7

4 Visiting Marazion Marsh Pg 8

5 Appendices Pg 9 –14

5.1 Map of Marazion Marsh Pg 9 5.2 About Marazion Marsh Pg 10 5.3 Learning Outcomes Introduction to Marazion Marsh & Camouflage Pg 11

Animal Detectives & Adaptation Pg 12

Magical Migration Pg 13 Popular Plants Pg 14

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1 What we can offer you

1.1 Background Information

The RSPB is excited to be able to offer free educational visits to Marazion Marsh. This nature reserve is a beautiful place to visit and an excellent resource for learning outside the classroom.

Children and young people are critical to conservation, for the contributions they can make now and in the future. The experiences we can provide together should equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to sustain an interest in nature into their adult lives.

We aim to provide a learning experience that inspires young people about the wonders of the natural world. To spark an interest that can be developed on their own, with their families and through their studies.

This pack should give you all the information you need to organise a visit, and you can find more info at www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/marazionmarsh

• Visits to Marazion Marsh nature reserve are a minimum of two hours long and are free of charge. • We cater for groups of between 6 and 15 pupils. • Visits can be arranged on Fridays, morning or afternoon.

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Visits to the marsh are designed to encourage curiosity and the process of discovery among pupils through safe, hands on activities that tie in with learning objectives set in the National Curriculum. The specific nature of the activities included in your visit will depend on what is out and about on the marsh at that time of year and on the age of the children in your group. With every visit we aim to introduce children to exciting aspects of life on the marsh and the importance of protecting wildlife on reserves (and at home). Our activities are tailored to suit your group, and will be facilitated in a way that is both fun and informative. Alongside the practical activities, we use a range of games to facilitate the learning programme. (Not only are they fun, but they help to keep us warm and smiling too.)

1.2 Activity Options

Your first visit to the marsh will be a general introduction to the reedbed habitat, some of the animals that live here and how they have adapted to life on the marsh. We will then go on to look more specifically at colour and camouflage, introducing some of the marsh’s best camouflaged characters. The activities that will make up your groups first visit to the marsh are highlighted in orange on the table below.

If you have been out to us before and you would like to delve a little deeper into ‘Learning about life on the Marsh’ you can choose one of our ‘follow up’ themes, highlighted in blue, in the table below. There is no limit to how many times you visit us here on the marsh, in fact, we highly recommend visiting us regularly, and perhaps coming at different times of year so that children can build a picture of what the marsh is like in different seasons. During your visit we encourage inquisitive learning so if you have any questions about anything you see or are told, please do not be afraid to ask. If you would like to discuss the content of your visit in more detail please call our Education Leader on 07581 194940.

VISIT ONE – Introductory Visit Activity Summary Compliments

Welcome to Marazion Marsh – Children will be introduced to the reedbed and some of the Key Stage 1 a really cool reedbed! wildlife that lives here, recording what’s around them on Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 activity sheets as they go. They will explore and discuss how 1b 1a 1 1a -c 2a 1b 2f An introduction to the reedbed the land is used, why this might benefit wildlife and why we 2b 2a 2h 2b 2e 3a 2e habitat, looking at land use and should look after these special places. 2g 3c3 4b how nature reserves provide the 5c d4a 5a-c Highlights: 5e 4b essentials for life. 5a Learn to use binoculars 5b Advice on caring for wildlife at home Key Stage 2 Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 1a 1a 1a 1a -c 1e 2a 2e 4b 2a 3a 4c 5e 3c 5a – 3d c 3e 5e 3f 5a 5b 6e Colour & Camouflage Children will investigate colour on the marsh, through a variety Key Stage 1 Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 of games and activities. Leading into a discussion about why 1b 3a 1 1a -c 2a 3c 2e 4b Learn what a reedbed habitat some animals and plants ‘blend in’ or ‘stand out’ from their 2d 4a 2f 5a looks like and the importance of surroundings. 2g 4b 2h 5c 5a blending in and standing out in 5e your environment Highlights: Key Stage 2 Meet our carefully camouflaged heron – THE BITTERN Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 1a 1a 1a 1c 1e 1b 5a-c 5e 2a 3a 3b 3f

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ACTIVITY OPTIONS for FOLLOW UP VISITS Activity Su mmary Compliments

Animal Detectives & Key Stage 1 An adaptation is a special skill which helps an animal to Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 Adaptation survive and do everything it needs to do. Adaptations can 2a 1b 1 1a -c 2g 4a 2f 2b be physical changes to an animal’s body or behavioural 5c 4b 2h 2e Learn to identify different 5e 5a 4b changes in their daily routine. Children will be encouraged 5a-c creatures and compare how to explore the reedbed and the wildlife that lives here, Key Stage 2 they have adapted to their recording what’s around them on activity sheets as they Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 environment 1a 1a 1a 1a -c go. Together we will look at some of the differences 1e 1b 2f 2b 2a 2a 4a between various birds and animals on the marsh and how 5e 3a 4b they are adapted to their environment. As well as 3g 5a-c identifying and comparing different physical features of certain creatures, children will also learn to recognise and identify different tracks and signs of animals through activity sheets and trail games.

Highlights: Learn to be a nature detective - follow tracks and signs Magical Migration on the Children will be introduced to some of the creatures that visit Key Stage 1 Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 Marsh the marsh. Learning what migration means, they will discuss 1b 1a 2a 1b why some animals have to move to different countries, and 2a 2a 2f 1c 2e 2b 2h 2b Learn what migration means, discover why places like Marazion Marsh are so important for 2g 3a 2e 5c 3b 4b who goes where and why migrants. 5e 4a 5a-c animals have to move from 4b place to place Highlights: Key Stage 2 Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 Meet some of the marsh’s magical visitors and find out what a 1a 1a 1a 1a -c murmuration is? 1e 2a 5a-c 2a 2e 5e 3a 3c 3f 5a 5b Popular Plants Children will be introduced to various plants that live on the Key Stage 1 Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 marsh. They will be shown how to use identification keys and 2a 1a 1 1a Learn where to find and identify charts to help them identity different plants. They can collect 2e 1b 2e 1c 2g 2a 2f 2b different plants that live on the data, make records and use sorting techniques to help them 5c 3a 2h 2f 5e -d4a 3a-c marsh. Find out how they work, organise their findings. 4b 4b what they need to live and why 5a 5a-c 5b they are so special We will also discuss how plants work and why certain plants Key Stage 2 choose to live on the marsh; exploring what they feed on and Cit Geo Sc1 Sc2 1a 1a 1a 1a -c AVAILABLE from April – what feeds on them. This will lead the group into a discussion 1e 1b 2e 3a-d October only about the importance of looking after all aspects of nature, not 2a 2a 2f 4a-c 5e 2b 5a-e just one part of it. 3a 3c 3f Highlights: 4b 5a Learning how to use identification charts and keys 5b Advice on caring for wildlife at home

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2 During Your Visit

Teaching & behaviour Our education leaders will deliver the activities on site, but to get the most out of your visit, it is important that you monitor and control your group’s behaviour and encourage them to engage with the activities we provide. Children should be aware of the Countryside Code and understand how it helps members of the public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. Additionally, we would also ask that the group:

• listen carefully and follow instructions • keep to maintained paths on the reserve • do not run on the reserve unless part of the activity • stay a safe distance from any water • do not climb on walls • do not enter the sanctuary areas • do not pick plants or flowers unless part of the activity • Understand that the quieter you are, the more you are likely to see

Clothing & Equipment Appropriate outdoor clothing is essential. In the winter the marsh can be quite exposed, so warm waterproof clothing and wellies are a necessity. Hats, gloves and scarves are also advisable. During the summer months, pollen levels can be high and it can get very hot, so sun cream and sun hat will be essential. Long trousers and long tops are also advised. Plenty of water should be brought in hot weather. All necessary equipment and worksheets are provided for the activities we offer.

Health & safety During your visit it is important that you comply with advice from your Local Education Authority on the appropriate ratio of supervisors to pupils. We will work with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 young people in any one group. Please note sessions will not go ahead if there are either less than 6 or more than 15 pupils in your group.

Risk assessment You will need to carry out your own risk assessment for your visit. We recommend that you visit the nature reserve prior to your first group visit to carry out your own risk assessment. A copy of the reserve’s risk assessment for educational visits to the marsh is available on request if you do not have one already. Please contact our Education Leader if you have any queries.

The risk from water borne infections (such as leptospirosis) or contact with animals is low but in the unlikely event that a member of your group becomes ill (e.g. flu like symptoms) after a visit, advise them or their parent/guardian to visit the doctor and explain that they have had a recent visit to a nature reserve. For further information see http://books.hse.gov.uk/hse/public/saleproduct.jsf?catalogueCode=INDG84REV1

In the event of an emergency - a suggested meeting point is next to the RPSB information board at the entrance to the reserve – this will be pointed out to you on arrival.

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3 How to book a visit

Booking couldn’t be easier Step 1 Choose your visit activities Step 2 Contact our education leader to discuss your options and to agree a date Step 3 You will receive a booking confirmation email

Contact details Contact person: Claire Scott (Education Leader) Email: [email protected] Mobile no: 07581 194940 (preferred)

Local RSPB: RSPB Office Address: 2 The Old Smelting House, Chyandour Coombe, Penzance TR18 3LP Telephone no: 01736 360624

Cancellations or Running Late? If, for any reason, you are unable to attend your site visit, please call the Education Leader on their mobile as soon as possible. If you cannot get through please leave a message on the Education Leader’s mobile and contact the RSPB office. Likewise, if you are running late or having difficulty in locating the reserve, please contact the Education Leader as soon as possible. Please do not email as it may not be seen in time.

Feedback The visits we offer are provided to you free of charge but in order for the RSPB to claim a payment from Natural England we are required to submit an evaluation form for each visiting group. To help us do this we will contact you shortly after your visit for any comments or recommendations you have. Your feedback is also valuable to the RSPB, as we want to provide schools with the best educational visits possible and we aim to update our activities based on the feedback we receive from visiting groups.

Complaints procedure If you have any concerns regarding your visit please contact us so that we can improve our service. Contact Jenny Parker at [email protected] or on 01736 360624, or write to the RSPB, No.2 The Old Smelting House, Chyandour Coombe, Penzance TR18 3LP . You can also write to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rural Development Service, Access Management Unit, Woodthorne, Wolverhampton WV6 8TQ

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4 Visiting Marazion Marsh

How to get here - See map over the page

Grid reference: SW 514 312

Postcode: TR17 0HQ

If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

By road: • From the A30, follow signs to Marazion. • At the railway bridge (T-junction) turn right. • Go straight for approximately 500 meters along the seafront then turn left down ‘Rope Walk’ , a minor road. • About 30 meters along this road on the right there is a small local charity run car park. • The reserve entrance is opposite the car park entrance.

See appendix 5.1 Map of Marazion Marsh

Car Parking The RSPB unfortunately do not operate a reserve car park; however, there are three public car parks within easy walking distance of the reserve.

• The nearest car park is ‘Rope Walk’ charity car park opposite the reserve entrance (summer only).

• Coach parking is available in the Council pay and display car park near the railway bridge or closer to the town at Folly Fields car park, run by St Aubyn Estates.

Access The footpaths on the reserve are uneven and narrow in places. We regret, the reserve is not wheelchair accessible.

Facilities Please note there are limited facilities on the reserve itself, there are no buildings or covered areas on the reserve to store bags or shelter from bad weather. Nor are there toilets or hand washing facilities. However everything you need for a comfortable visit is within easy walking distance.

Toilets and washing facilities There are public toilets in Marazion town and charged toilets at the County Council pay and display car park near the railway bridge.

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5 Appendices

5.1 Map of Marazion Marsh

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5.2 About Marazion Marsh Nature Reserve

Marazion Marsh nature reserve is a magical place to visit at any time of year. The reserve is overlooked by the beautiful St Michael's Mount and boasts Cornwall's largest reedbed.

More than 250 bird, 500 plant, 500 insect and 18 mammal species have been recorded here.

Flocks of starlings roost in the reeds throughout autumn and sometimes produce spectacular aerial displays as they arrive at dusk.

In winter, you can see teal dabbling on the pools, snipe feeding at the muddy edges and bitterns (a small brown heron) are now a regular winter visitor.

The grey herons start building their nests in the reedbed in the spring, and swallows arrive from Africa and feed on insects over the marsh.

In summer, you can hear warblers singing and you will see baby birds and animals like rabbits frolicking in the sunshine.

See our seasonal highlights on the website for species you might expect to see: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/marazionmarsh

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5.3 Learning Outcomes

Welcome to Marazion Marsh

Giving Nature a Home and Discovering Camouflage

Visit Activities ______SAFETY RSPB Giving Nature at Home at Marazion Marsh? All activities and sites are risk assessed. We operate an Children will be introduced to the reedbed and some of the wildlife that lives here, recording RSPB education staff:child what’s around them on activity sheets as they go. They will explore and discuss how the land ratio of 1:15. is used, why this might benefit wildlife and why we should look after these special places. Together we will: BEHAVIOUR • Look at the reeds and the reedbed Teachers and teaching • Compare the marsh environment to their environment at school assistants are responsible for • Discuss what every creature needs for survival and why there seems to be their pupils’ behaviour. more wildlife on the marsh • Look at some of the wildlife that lives on the marsh EQUIPMENT • Learn to use binoculars All necessary equipment and worksheets are provided.

Discovering Camouflage CLOTHING Appropriate outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket, wellies or Children will investigate colour on the marsh, through a variety of games and activities. stout shoes are ESSENTIAL. Leading into a discussion about why some animals and plants ‘blend in’ or ‘stand out’ from Hats, scarves and gloves their surroundings. Together we will: recommended in Winter. Sun • Go colour hunting – matching natural colours to a chart cream and hat, long trousers • Discuss why some colours are common in nature and why others are not and tops are advised in • Look at animals with good camouflage summer. • Discuss reasons why camouflage is important PRIOR LEARNING Land use around the school Learning Outcomes______environment.

Useful Vocabulary: Most children will: Reed, reedbed, wetland, • explore and discover in a safe and encouraging environment habitat, • have a sense of achievement and enjoyment environment, nature reserve, • make a positive contribution to the day survival, colour, camouflage, binoculars. ....and will be able to: • Identify a reed and the reedbed habitat FUTURE LEARNING • Identify at least one plant, one bird and one animal that lives there Habitat identification in school grounds, identifying plants and • Indentify the difference between living things and things that have never been animals in those habitats alive • Identify the most common colours on the marsh Follow up visit: Adaptation | Migration | Plants Some children will: • Have increased confidence in their ability and knowledge • Discover how creating spaces for nature is important for wildlife HANDY HINTS • Gain a sense of responsibility for their surrounding environment It might be useful to bring a digital camera to record the ....and will be able to: day’s activities, any evidence • Identify the four main things needed for survival found and any creatures seen. • Identify more than one species of plant, bird and animal that lives on the There are plenty of activities marsh you can do yourself on the • Identify an animal that is camouflaged and suggest why beach to supplement a visit to • Use binoculars independently the reserve eg natural art, sorting activities (natural Assessment for Learning & Feedback ______materials vs manmade) and beach habitat and sea animal Learning will be assessed throughout the day using fun and informal activities and exploration. games. The aim of assessing the children’s learning is to see how well we have done teaching them about various topics. We will also ask them how they felt about their visit to the marsh taking feedback on the different activities. We also request that all teachers complete a post visit feedback form. This will help ensure the activities we

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Animal Detectives and Adaptation at Marazion Marsh provide are useful, effective and fun.

SAFETY Visit Activities _ _ _ All activities and sites are risk assessed. We operate an Animal Detectives and Adaptation RSPB education staff:child ratio of 1:15. An adaptation is a special skill which helps an animal to survive and do everything it needs to do. Adaptations can be physical changes to an animal’s body or changes in BEHAVIOUR their normal behaviour. Teachers and teaching assistants are responsible for Children will be encouraged to explore the reedbed and the wildlife that lives here, their pupils’ behaviour. recording what’s around them on activity sheets as they go. Together we will look at some of the differences between various birds and animals on the marsh and how they EQUIPMENT are adapted to their environment. As well as identifying and comparing different All necessary equipment and physical features of certain creatures, children will also learn to recognise and identify worksheets are provided. different tracks and signs of animals through activity sheets and trail games. Together we will: CLOTHING Appropriate outdoor clothing, • Look at some of the wildlife that lives on the marsh waterproof jacket, wellies or • Discover where different animals live and what they eat stout shoes are ESSENTIAL. • Compare the differences between different species eg: fox & toad Hats, scarves and gloves • Compare the differences between different members of the same species eg: recommended in Winter. Sun heron and reed warbler cream and hat, long trousers • Learn to recognise different tracks and signs of creatures on the marsh and tops are advised in • summer. Learn to use binoculars

Learning Outcomes _ _ _ PRIOR LEARNING Look at where different Most children will: animals live and how they • explore and discover in a safe and encouraging environment have adapted. Use common • have a sense of achievement and enjoyment animals like: dog, bird, fish. • make a positive contribution to the day Useful Vocabulary: ....and will be able to: Reed, reedbed, wetland, habitat, environment, nature • Identify at least one feature of a reedbed environment reserve, adaptation, features, • Identify at least four common types of creature (eg: fish, bird animal, insect) nocturnal, colour, camouflage, • Identify at least three different features on a creature movement, predator, prey, bill • Compare and discuss the main features of two different creatures (beak), claws, paws, prints, • Identify at least one animal track or sign pellets, binoculars.

Some children will: FUTURE LEARNING • Have increased confidence in their ability and knowledge Habitat identification in the • Discover why having a variety of wildlife is important school grounds. Who lives • where, what do they look like Gain a sense of responsibility for their surrounding environment and how have they adapted? Looking out for track and signs ....and will be able to: and make a species list for • Make a connection between a creatures features and where it lives you school. • Compare the features of two different creatures and explain why the differences might be useful. Follow up visit: • Compare the features of two creatures of the same species and explain why Migration | Plants they difference might have occurred. • List two reasons why animals need to adapt eg: food, movement, attracting a HANDY HINTS mate. It might be useful to bring a digital camera to record the • Identify more than one animal track or sign • day’s activities, any evidence Use binoculars independently found and any creatures seen.

Assessment for Learning & Feedback ______There are plenty of activities you can do yourself on the Learning will be assessed throughout the day using fun and informal activities and beach to supplement a visit to games. The aim of assessing the children’s learning is to see how well we have done the reserve eg natural art, teaching them about various topics. We will also ask them how they felt about their visit sorting activities (natural to the marsh taking feedback on the different activities. We also request that all materials vs manmade) and teachers complete a post visit feedback form. This will help ensure the activities we beach habitat and sea animal provide are useful, effective and fun. exploration.

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Magical Migration on Marazion Marsh

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Visit Activities ______SAFETY All activities and sites are risk assessed. We operate an RSPB Magical Migration on Marazion Marsh education staff:child ratio of 1:15.

BEHAVIOUR Children will be introduced to some of the creatures that visit the marsh. Learning what migration means, they will discuss why some animals have to move to different countries, Teachers and teaching assistants are responsible for and discover why places like Marazion Marsh are so important for migrants. their pupils’ behaviour. Together we will:

• EQUIPMENT Look at different birds on the marsh investigating whether they live on the All necessary equipment and marsh for all or part of the year worksheets are provided. • Find out when and where different birds move to • Explore the reasons why birds move from country to country…. CLOTHING • …and why they stop at the marsh Appropriate outdoor clothing, • Find out if any other marsh animals migrate waterproof jacket, wellies or stout shoes are ESSENTIAL. Hats, scarves and gloves Learning Outcomes ______recommended in Winter. Sun cream and hat, long trousers and tops are advised in

summer.

Most children will: PRIOR LEARNING • explore and discover in a safe and encouraging environment Talk about what migration • have a sense of achievement and enjoyment means and why some animals • make a positive contribution to the day need to migrate. Look up some migratory birds and find out ....and will be able to: where they travel to and from. • Explain, simply, what migration means ie: to move from one country to another Do any other animals migrate? • Identify one bird on the marsh that does migrate Useful Vocabulary: • Identify one bird on the marsh that does not migrate • Reed, reedbed, wetland, Explain, simply, the migratory path of one bird eg: swallow: Africa – UK habitat, • Understand how we know birds migrate environment, nature reserve, migrate, travel, navigate, journey, country, continent, nest, food, reproduce, swallow, reed warbler, cuckoo, starling. Some children will: • Have increased confidence in their ability and knowledge FUTURE LEARNING • Discover why nature reserves are important for animals that live here all year Create a migration map in the and animals that are passing through classroom. Look at the migratory journeys of different • Gain a sense of responsibility for their surrounding environment birds and work out who does the most travelling. How many miles ....and will be able to: do they travel in a year? • Identify more than one bird on the marsh that does migrate Compare this to how many • Identify more than one bird on the marsh that does not migrate miles you travel in a year. Who • Understand why birds migrate wins? • Understand why some birds visit us in the Winter and others in the Summer • Explain one of the ways birds navigate their huge journeys Follow up visit: • Explain one of the problems that migratory birds face on their journeys Adaptation | Plants

HANDY HINTS

It might be useful to bring a digital camera to record the Assessment for Learning & Feedback ______day’s activities, any evidence found and any creatures seen. Learning will be assessed throughout the day using fun and informal activities and games. The aim of assessing the children’s learning is to see how well we have done There are plenty of activities you teaching them about various topics. We will also ask them how they felt about their visit can do yourself on the beach to to the marsh taking feedback on the different activities. We also request that all supplement a visit to the reserve teachers complete a post visit feedback form. This will help ensure the activities we eg natural art, sorting activities provide are useful, effective and fun. (natural materials vs manmade) and beach habitat and sea animal exploration.

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Popular Plants at Marazion Marsh

Visit Activities ______SAFETY All activities and sites are risk assessed. We operate an Popular Plants at Marazion Marsh RSPB education staff:child ratio of 1:15. Children will be introduced to various plants that live on the marsh. They will be shown how to use identification keys and charts to help them identity different plants. They can collect BEHAVIOUR data, make records and use sorting techniques to help them organise their findings. Teachers and teaching assistants are responsible for We will also discuss how plants work and why certain plants ‘choose to live’ on the marsh; their pupils’ behaviour. exploring what they feed on and what feeds on them. This will lead the group into a discussion about the importance of looking after all aspects of nature, not just one part of it. EQUIPMENT Together we will: All necessary equipment and

• worksheets are provided. Use identification keys and charts to identify different plants • Look at the different parts of a plant and their basic function CLOTHING • Investigate which plants grow where Appropriate outdoor clothing, • Learn what they feed on and how they grow waterproof jacket, wellies or • Discover some of the animals that rely on plants for food stout shoes are ESSENTIAL. Hats, scarves and gloves recommended in Winter. Sun Learning Outcomes ______cream and hat, long trousers and tops are advised in summer. Most children will: • explore and discover in a safe and encouraging environment PRIOR LEARNING • have a sense of achievement and enjoyment Look at the different parts of • make a positive contribution to the day the plant. Learn how plants absorb water, minerals and ....and will be able to: sunlight for growth. • Identify four main parts of the plant ( eg: root, stem, leaves & flower) • Useful Vocabulary: Use identification charts and keys to identify plants on the marsh Reed, reedbed, wetland, habitat, • Identify two plants that can be found on the marsh environment, nature reserve, • Understand the difference between evergreen and deciduous living, non living, evergreen, • Recognise that green plants need light and water to grow deciduous, root, stem, leaves, • Name a marsh animal that eats plants flower, pollen, photosynthesis.

FUTURE LEARNING Use the data collected on the Some children will: marsh to make charts and • Have increased confidence in their ability and knowledge graphs to demonstrate what • Discover which animals rely on plants for food and why looking after plants is you found on your visit. Come important back and visit us at a different • Gain a sense of responsibility for their surrounding environment time of year and see if you find different plants. Draw maps ....and will be able to: and compare. Compare this to • Use identification charts and keys to identify plants on the marsh what plants you can find at independently school.

• Identify several marsh plants Follow up visit: • Recognise the feeding relationships that exist between plants and animals in Adaptation | Migration a habitat • Explain that every food chain starts with a green plant HANDY HINTS • Identify the reproductive parts of a plant It might be useful to bring a • Identify two ways that plants spread their seeds digital camera to record the day’s activities, any evidence found and any creatures seen. Assessment for Learning & Feedback ______There are plenty of activities Learning will be assessed throughout the day using fun and informal activities and you can do yourself on the games. The aim of assessing the children’s learning is to see how well we have done beach to supplement a visit to teaching them about various topics. We will also ask them how they felt about their visit the reserve eg natural art, to the marsh taking feedback on the different activities. We also request that all sorting activities (natural teachers complete a post visit feedback form. This will help ensure the activities we materials vs manmade) and provide are useful, effective and fun. beach habitat and sea animal exploration.

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