Knettishall Heath - Paul Ham
Officer-led school visits to Knettishall Heath
Your school visit to Knettishall Heath
Our Knettishall Heath nature reserve is a rare Breckland landscape of SSSI-certified heathland, grassland, and woodland, which dips down into the Little Ouse Valley. Archaeological and geological features add to the interest and range of opportunities for discovery and learning. The reserve has toilet facilities, a play area, picnic area, and outdoor learning shelter.
Our Nature Discovery Day at Knettishall Heath for KS1 and KS2 pupils will consist of three sessions; Invertebrates, River Dipping, and Plants & Trees - reflecting the landscape, habitats and history of the site.
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:
Luke Massey
River Dipping
Explore the watery worlds of our rivers and learn about the different habitats and species that make up our river ecosystems. Pupils will learn about the importance of river 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:
Bee orchid by Dawn Monrose
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:
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:
Find out more and book a visit
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.
Please note we have a maximum capacity of 30 pupils per visit.
A usual day runs between 10am and 2pm.
Adult:Student ratio requirements:
Nursery and Reception 1:4
KS1 1:6
KS2 1:8