Bradfield Woods - Andrew Bennett
School visits to Bradfield Woods
Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve is one of the finest ancient woodlands in the UK - making it a perfect place for children to learn about woodlands and woodland wildlife
Steeped in history and brimming with wildlife, from woodland birds and small mammals, to invertebrates, rare flora, and magnificent trees, Bradfield Woods has been under continous traditional coppice management since 1252, making Bradfield Woods a unique place to explore about our natural heritage.
Our award-winning, carbon-positive centre at Bradfield Woods includes a classroom, sheltered veranda, and toilets. The centre sits amongst the trees and is built almost exclusively with timber from the surrounding woodlands - a perfect place for children to learn about nature.
We have a range of different sessions to choose from for your school visit; all of which reflect the landscape, habitats, species, and history of the reserve:
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:
Dormouse adobe stock
Animals
An exciting programme investigating animal habitats and learning about the homes, diets, and adaptions of woodland wildlife. Pupils will have the opportunity to take a close look at skulls, feathers, skins, and nests to develop their knowledge of animal classification and species identification.
Download the session overviews and learning objectives:
Jesse Walker
Trees
This session offers an opportunity to discover trees by looking up close at the texture of the bark, leaf shapes and the animals living on them. Pupils can discuss the difference between deciduous and evergreen species. Key Stage 1 pupils will create natural artworks and Key Stage 2 pupils will use scientific equipment to calculate the height and age of a tree.
Download the session overviews and learning objectives:
Photo Credit: Steve Aylward
Plants
This session offers an opportunity for pupils to investigate the life cycles of plants, the roles of pollinators, and the function of different parts of the plant - all through games and activities. Pupils will look at the variety and diversity of flowering plants at Bradfield Woods and understand the importance of plants in woodland habitats.
Download the session overviews and learning objectives:
Photograph: Helena Dolby
Nature Connection
This visit is designed to strengthen pupil's connection with nature through a variety of activities exploring the woods whilst encouraging them to be resourceful, creative, and considerate of nature.
Download the session overview and learning objective:
Further details and booking
A whole day session is £170 for a class of up to 28 children. For classes over 28 children, an additional £6.80 per student is charged (with a maximum capacity of 60 children per day). A usual day runs between 10am and 2pm, however we can be flexible an hour either side of this.
Adult:Student ratio requirements:
Nursery and Reception 1:4
KS1 1:6
KS2 1:8