School programmes in Cambridgeshire

This is a half or full day programme of fun and interactive activities that young pupils will thoroughly enjoy whilst learning about the natural world.  Pupils will learn how a tiny acorn grows into a large oak tree through an engaging story. They will discover a real oak tree whilst exploring the habitats in our nature reserve, pond dip in our specially designed raised pond, search for mini-beasts in our specially created area and learn all about camouflage and colours through our fun woolly caterpillar activity.

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. 

In this school programme pupils will take on the role of a Wildlife Investigator and will think like a scientist as they discover the wildlife and habitats at the Great Fen.  Pupils will take part in exciting activities including pond dipping, sweep netting and bird watching.  They will explore contrasting habitats through these activities developing first-hand experience whilst observing and identifying the creatures that live there.  They will discover how creatures are suited to those habitats and able to adapt and survive in these places.  As pupils move from one activity to the next they will explore the unique plants that make up the different habitats. Using a variety of interactive activities such as treasure tiles and leaf slides the pupils will be able to explore leaves and bark of the trees, learn about photosynthesis and how plants adapt to certain conditions and see the relationship between the different species that live in this environment.

This programme enables pupils to develop a deeper understanding of some of our local species and habitats using a range of techniques and equipment. Pupils will explore interdependence and adaptation and develop their skills as explorers through hands-on practical experience and investigation of plants, minibeasts and pond creatures.

An interactive programme exploring the past of the Great Fen.  We will lead the pupils on a journey of discovery exploring how drainage of the Fens affected people and wildlife.  Pupils will meet characters from the past, all of whom have a fascinating story to tell.   There will be an opportunity to try their hand at some traditional, natural crafts, learn some traditional folklore and discover how work carried out on the Great Fen will make it a fantastic place for wildlife and people in the future.

This programme enables pupils to develop an understanding of changes that have taken place over time in the Great Fen and develop a deeper understanding of their local environment. Throughout a day of practical, hands-on experience and adventure, pupils will begin to understand the amazing story of the Fen Time Travellers, how the local habitats have changed over time and how the Great Fen is being safeguarded and restored for the future!

"Forest School is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment" - Forest School Association 2012.

We are delighted to be offering Forest School at the Ramsey Heights nature reserve. Our team of qualified Forest School leaders and volunteers can support child-led learning and offer opportunities to learn skills such as wood working, tool use, fire lighting, den building, nature identification. And of course, lots of time for play! 

If you are a school or group interested in regular, long-term Forest School sessions, please get in touch. 

This half day practical programme introduces creatures’ homes through a story with puppets. Children then head outdoors to explore the education centre grounds, pond dip at the raised ponds before ‘building’ mini ponds. Children then minibeast hunt in our specially created area before constructing a home suitable for a hedgehog.

This programme provides hands-on practical experience of minibeasts and pond creatures in a fun and engaging way to help them explore and understand the natural world around them.

Our Tales of The Ouse Valley Programme, is an exciting adventure to undertake with your class! It runs from March until October and is specifically designed to celebrate our local environment in the Ouse Valley, and help Reception and Year One pupils gain confidence and become familiar with our wonderful local wildlife. This starts with an illustrated story, sent to school to read beforehand. This is developed on during the visit, as pupils go on an adventure to solve clues and build their skills and confidence, exploring habitats and microhabitats to find minibeasts and pond creatures through pond dipping, minibeast hunting and bird watching. They will use bug pots and develop their identification skills through practical hands-on experience.

This programme nurtures children’s awareness and understanding of some of our local species and also develops their confidence as explorers by providing hands-on practical experience of minibeasts and pond creatures. All delivered in a fun, practical and engaging way.

This school programme for Year Two to Year Six pupils and runs from March – October. Pupils undertake an amazing wild journey through time, equipped with time travel explorer kits and time dials to discover how Paxton Pits became so important for wildlife stopping off at key points in history to undertake exciting activities, including fossil hunting, pond dipping, birdwatching and sweep netting. Pupils will explore contrasting habitats and microhabitats through these activities, developing first-hand experience whilst observing and identifying the creatures that live there. They will observe how creatures are suited to those habitats and able to survive in these places, including moving, and finding food. They will also observe creatures at different points in their lifecycle. They will find fossils and discover how these are formed. They will discover more about human impact over time on this site and the future of Paxton Pits too!

This programme enables pupils to develop an understanding of changes that have taken place over time as pupils refer to clues – secondary sources - to suggest ideas and answer questions to develop a deeper understanding of their local environment. Throughout a day of practical, hands-on experience and adventure pupils will begin to understand the amazing story of the changing habitats of Paxton Pits Through Time! Also the creatures that are found today in the nature reserve and how it is being safeguarded and expanded for the future!

Wild Journeys of People and Wildlife is designed for Year Two - Year Six and runs from October – March

Children will explore why the Saxons journeyed to and settled at Paxton; why birds migrate to the reserve to spend the winter; how Saxons used the natural resources in a variety of ways; how farming the land to grow food provides a habitat for wildlife; how the way people use the earth’s resources changes habitats; and how wetland and farmland birds are adapted to the habitat in which they are found.

During their visit, children will unearth clues, make clay creations, bird watch from the journey headquarters, visit a Saxon camp, take part in the Saxon arrival, and find a feast for the birds.

Science Programmes- Paxton Pits offers an excellent resource in which to teach pupils fieldwork techniques at various levels. Dependent upon your needs these can be led by our staff, self-guided or a hybrid approach. Please get in touch with our team to discuss further.

Art and Design Programmes These programmes are designed for A’ Level & BTEC Pupils Artistic interpretation of the natural world is an intrinsic part of human expression which the Wildlife Trust aims to explore through an educational programme for Art and Design students. This programme is designed to inspire and enrich learning experience through direct engagement with Paxton Pits nature reserve. Students will be guided around the reserve and have the opportunity to: Get up close and personal with underwater creatures to look at adaptive form, movement and texture. Sketch the ‘Living Landscape’ developing observational and interpretive skills. Watch Wildlife from the secrecy of the hides to view the many wetland birds on the reserve and interpret the differing styles of flight, feeding and social interaction. Use the resources at the Education Centre to research successful artists within the genre of Wildlife Art to inspire and motivate

This one-day classroom-based curriculum-linked programme is designed for KS2 children. It covers Science and Geography topics, focusing on grouping animals, food chains, adaptations, using biological keys, OS maps, and human impacts on the environment, all using local examples.

We can cover some of the topics in a morning or afternoon session, or add a sharing activity to make the programme longer.

We can offer small-group sessions on Cambourne Nature Reserve, or on school grounds if there is a suitable area. Sessions are most suitable for KS2 and 3 but are flexible.

These fun sessions are a great opportunity for young people to explore, learn about nature, build confidence and gain new skills.  The pupils will take part in a range of activities such as using tools, wildlife surveys, natural art, games, shelter-building, and mindfulness, as well as opportunities for free play and self-led exploration.

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, emotional well-being, and academic achievement.

We are adaptable! Please contact us to discuss what we can offer for all age groups; below are a few ideas. Outdoor sessions may be able to make use of a local nature reserve, or school grounds if you have appropriate habitat.

• Non-curriculum-linked outdoor sessions
• Teacher training
• Assemblies 
• Online Q and A session
• We are currently developing a KS1 outreach programme. Get in touch to find out more!