School programmes in Northamptonshire

This half day practical programme introduces the wonderful local wildlife found in different habitats through activities like pond dipping, mini beast hunting, sweep netting and bird watching. Pupils will develop their identification skills, learn about animal adaptation, life cycles, ecosystems and food chains. They will develop their confidence as explorers through the fun hands on activities.   Pupils will be inspired to respect and care for nature and to take action for wildlife in their local area.

This programme enables pupils to investigate some of our local species using a range of techniques and equipment. Pupils will explore interdependence and adaptation and develop their confidence as explorers through hands-on practical experience of minibeasts and pond creatures.

Pupils will take part in this exciting programme to find out about the Red Kite diet.   They will learn about the types of food the Kite likes to eat.    They will play a fun game of hide and seek to introduce them to the idea of searching for food.  Pupils will learn about some of the challenges the red Kite faces from other animals that might want to steal its food.  They will have fun bug hunting and searching for the sorts of invertebrates that the Red Kite likes to eat.  Pupils will use their knowledge and thinking skills to suggest and discuss how the Red Kite’s diet might change throughout the year and why this is.

This programme will inspire pupils and develop awareness and understanding of one of our local species, the Red Kite.  They will learn about its habitat and diet through hands-on practical activities.

Pupils will take part in this exciting programme to find out about the nesting habits of the Red Kite.  They will learn about the properties of the Red Kite nest and how the Red Kites build them.  Pupils will find out where the Red Kites nest in the Nene Wetlands and compare them to nests of other bird species.  They will go on a fun treasure hunt to search for the kinds of materials the Red Kites might use to build a nest and use these to build their own, individual nests.   Pupils will then use their knowledge to discuss how a Red Kite might go about building its nest and have a go at building a giant Red Kite nest, together as a group.    

This programme will inspire pupils to develop an understanding of one of our local species, the Red Kite, and, in particular, it’s breeding and nesting habits. Pupils will take part in a series of engaging, practical hands-on experiences and adventures to find out more about the amazing nest  building skills of these wonderful birds.

This exciting programme enables pupils to find out about colour in nature and the various reasons why it exists. The pupils will observe the natural environment around them and take part in a discussion on the role of colour in both plants and animals.  They will look at examples of a variety of bird feathers and discuss their similarities and differences and consider why they are different colours.  Pupils will consider what birds see and how this differs from humans.   They will observe how Red Kites change in colour throughout their lifecycle and discover why this is.  They will gather natural materials of different colours and textures and use them to create a small collage of a red Kite.  Pupils will then have a go at making a giant natural Red Kite together as a group. 

This programme enables pupils to develop an understanding of one of our local species, the Red Kite, through colour in nature. Pupils will take part in a series of engaging, practical hands-on experiences and adventures to find out more about these beautiful birds, how and why colour is important and has an impact on their habits.  

This exciting programme focuses on the lifecycle of the Red Kite and its habitats.   Pupils will learn what a bird like the Red Kite needs from their habitat in order to survive, how this changes during the seasons and about the challenges and threats it might face, both natural and human, during its lifetime.  Pupils will undertake a fun orienteering challenge to explore the habitat requirements and challenges faced by Red Kites and find out what they need to survive. 

This programme enables pupils to develop an understanding of one of our local species, the Red Kite, and, in particular, the influences of and changes in nature that impacts the Red Kite and its habitat. Pupils will also find out how the Red Kite overcomes the challenges it faces to enable it to thrive at Nene Wetlands.

This self-led video trail is based up ‘The Lost Words’ book by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris.   Through a series of creative art activities, pupils will reconnect with nature and the vocabulary associated with it.

Around Skew Bridge Lake, a short video will introduce pupils to one of five species included in the book.   A short activity enables the pupils to explore the character of each species.

*In order to view the videos, schools with need to borrow an IPad from the visitor centre, which has the videos pre-installed.   It may be possible, if you have your own tablets, to share the videos prior to your visit. 

This self-led option introduces several species and enables pupils to find out all about them in a fun and engaging way.  It is ideal for schools who are bringing multiple classes for Wildlife Trust led sessions, as it can be completed whilst the other classes are using the education area. 

Thursdays (term time only) 1.30-3pm

These weekly (term-time) sessions for 5 – 11 year olds are a great opportunity for youngsters to explore, learn about nature, build confidence and gain new skills, all in the wonderful outdoor setting on the Nene Wetlands Education Area.  These exciting sessions will include a range of activities including storytelling, natural crafts, music making and tool use as well as lots of opportunities for free play and self-led exploration. 

*Pupils must be accompanied by an adult (maximum of 2 pupils per adult).  The sessions will take place outside in all weathers so please ensure that pupils wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Forest School sessions enable pupils to have fun and take part in a range of practical activities in woodland and natural spaces and develop team working skills, confidence and independence.  These physically active sessions can improve stamina and have a positive impact on physical health and emotional well-being.