Frost at Redgrave & Lopham Fen – David Stansfeld
Officer-led school visits to Redgrave & Lopham Fen
Your school visit to Redgrave & Lopham Fen
Redgrave & Lopham Fen is an internationally important lowland valley fen with a unique landscape of spring-fed sedge beds, rush and grass meadows, wet and dry heath, woodland and pools. Enjoying views across the fen, the classroom is large and airy with a picnic area and toilet facilities.
Our Nature Discovery Day at Redgrave & Lopham Fen for KS1 and KS2 pupils will consist of three sessions; Invertebrates, Pond Dipping, and Plants & Trees - reflecting the landscape, habitats and history of the reserve. We also have an in-depth River Study day session for KS2 pupils .
For early years, we have a specially-designed Nature Connection Day available.
Choose your programme for the day
Long-winged conehead - Lianne de Mello
Invertebrates
Investigate the lives, life cycles and habitats of invertebrates on the reserve and learn about classification and how to observe animals closely. Pupils can use magnifiers and ID sheets to help them identify and categorise a range of invertebrates according to their characteristics.
Download the session overview and learning objectives:
2 -WildNet - Richard Burkmar
Pond Dipping
Explore the watery worlds of our ponds and learn about the different habitats and species that make up our wetland ecosystems. Pupils will learn about the importance of pond habitats and how to identify a range of aquatic invertebrates - many of which they will likely be unfamiliar with.
Download the session overview and learning objectives:
Water violet
Plants & Trees
An opportunity to explore the variety and diversity of flowering plants and tree species across the nature reserve. Pupils will get up-close with leaf shapes, flower structures, bark textures, and the animals living on the different plants and trees.
Download the session overview and learning objectives:
Redgrave & Lopham Fen - Steve Aylward
River Study
Track the development of the River Waveney from its source at the far reaches of the reserve. Pupils will take measurements and make observations, look for wildlife and learn about the people who shaped the fen. They will also explore water conservation and the water cycle and discover how the fen is now managed for wildlife.
Download session overview and learning objectives:
Photograph: Helena Dolby
Nature Connection (EYFS)
A full day session for early years designed to ignite their curiosity in nature. Pupils will explore the reserve, using all their senses to connect to the beautiful surroundings. The day will be made up of 3 sessions exploring senses, invertebrate hunting and river dipping.
Download the session overview and learning objectives:
Further details and booking
Our KS1 and KS2 sessions qualify for Natural England funding, therefore we are able to offer a limited number of these visits free of charge (on a first come, first served basis). Price for EYFS sessions, and visits not covered by the Natural England funding, is £6 per pupil, with a minimum charge of £150.
A usual day runs between 10am and 2pm.
Adult:Student ratio requirements:
Nursery and Reception 1:4
KS1 1:6
KS2 1:8