You are invited to come on a learning adventure with us as we immerse ourselves in the natural world of Woods Mill Nature Reserve.

Each workshop has been designed to engage pupils with the natural world and encourage the development of a sense of excitement and curiosity. Our programmes of study apply aspects of the National Curriculum for Science by providing practical activities and opportunities for observations at first hand, allowing pupils to work scientifically to develop their scientific knowledge and understanding.

We offer hands-on activities in the outdoors to encourage children to use their senses to discover the natural world around them.

We can adapt the workshops to provide a day that fits in with the teacher's requirements based on the range of activities set out below.

The curriculum links for Science are shown under each section. In addition to these, the programmes include aspects of Geography, English, Mathematics, Art and Design and support pupils’ personal, social, health and economic development (PSHE).

Please select from the programmes below for Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 2: 

Early Years Foundation Stage: Wild and Wonderful 

Half day 10am - 12 noon

Age 2-5 years (Maximum 30 pupils)

Or

Full day 10am - 2.30pm

Age Reception children aged 4-5

Curriculum links: Our activities support the areas of learning and development and early learning goals described in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

This is a journey of discovery about animals and plants, and where they like to live. Heading off with a wildlife treasure map and a sense of adventure, children will investigate a range of different habitats. They may encounter woodland plants from daffodils to holly berries and hunt out the minibeasts living in the leaf litter. They will use pond dipping nets to find out about creatures caught from the pond, and explore our wildlife garden to discover what they can do to help nature at home.

Fun games help them learn about camouflage and what animals need to survive. 

Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2: Hunt for a Habitat

Full day 10am – 2.30pm 

Science: Working scientifically; Plants; Animals, including humans; Living things and their habitats; Evolution and inheritance

(Maximum 60 pupils)

Become environmental estate agents for the day to investigate desirable homes for wildlife.

Using magnifying glasses children will be able to investigate the micro-habitat of the woodland floor and use identification charts and keys to identify the invertebrates they find. Fun hands-on games will help them learn about camouflage and what animals need to survive.

Children will come face to face with animal skull bones, and use their observational skills to determine carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. A blind-fold sensory walk helps them to imagine the challenges of surviving in the wild.

Sweep nets in the meadow can be used in suitable seasons, to meet the small inhabitants of the grassland, and compare them to those living in the woodland habitat.

Children will make mini homes for wildlife and think about how they can make their gardens better for biodiversity. 

Key Stage 1 & 2: Green Plant Magic

Full day 10am – 2.30pm

Science: Working scientifically; Plants; Seasonal changes; Living things and their habitats, Evolution and inheritance

(Maximum 60 pupils)

From the largest living organisms to the smallest of algae, plants are the ultimate in solar powered manufacturing. They carry out all their own life processes, whilst providing animals with oxygen, food and shelter. In this programme interactive games illustrate plant processes and functions and children discover some of the many uses we make of plants and find out what they need to grow and stay healthy.

We will think about signs of the changing seasons and learn about what plants need to grow. Children will learn about the parts of a plant with our Wacky Vegetable game. During the woodland walk they will begin to learn the names of the plants we find and compare them to those growing by the lakeside. Our Parts of the Flower game helps the children learn about the life cycle of flowering plants, and consider how their seeds are dispersed.

Pupils take part in making a paper plant pot to sow seeds to help garden pollinators and make bee seed bombs to take home. 

Forest School Taster Session

Half day 10am –12 noon

(Maximum 35 pupils)

Bring your class along to Woods Mill for a morning in the woods as our Forest School leaders introduce activities to the group in order to stimulate interest in wildlife activities and confidence in being outdoors.

Specific activities vary although typical examples will include;

• Safe fire lighting and fire management
• Making a hot drink
• Woodcraft activities using simple hand tools and natural resources such as green wood and other plant material
• Sculpture and pictures using woodland materials
• Natural play trails or rope trails
• Den building with natural resources or tarpaulins
• Wildlife games to promote environmental awareness