Officer-led school visits to Redgrave & Lopham Fen

Frost at Redgrave & Lopham Fen – David Stansfeld

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 on a hand - Lianne de Mello

Long-winged conehead - Lianne de Mello

NATURE DISCOVERY DAY

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:

Invertebrates KS1

Invertebrates KS2

Common frog

2 -WildNet - Richard Burkmar

NATURE DISCOVERY DAY

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:

Pond Dipping KS1

Pond Dipping KS2

Water violet

Water violet

Nature Discovery Day

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:

Plants & Trees KS1

Plants & Trees KS2

Redgrave & Lopham Fen - Steve Aylward

Redgrave & Lopham Fen - Steve Aylward

SPECIALIST SESSION

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:

River Study KS2

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Photograph: Helena Dolby

NATURE CONNECTION DAY

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:

EYFS

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

Booking Form

Terms & Conditions 

Information for your visit

Risk Assessment