School visits to Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Sensory Explorers (Foundation/Key Stage 1, Science)

Using their senses, the children explore the Park’s variety of colours, textures, sounds and smells.

Mini-beast Safari (Key Stage 1 and 2, Science)

Explore the world of woodland mini-beasts aided by pooters and bug pots. We use colour ID charts and play games that highlight issues such as camouflage.

Woodland Discovery Key Stage 1 and 2, Science)

Discover the woodland habitat and the relationship between its plants and animals. Activities can include food chains, life of a tree and adaption's.
(Follow on activity – grassland and woodland food chain mobiles)

Woodland and Meadow Discovery (Key Stage 2, Science and Geography)

Through a series of activities, the children are encouraged to draw comparisons between two very different habitats.
(Follow on activity – grassland and woodland food chain mobiles)

Habitats (Key stage 2 and 3, Science and Geography)

Explore the many different habitats found within our Park including woodland, meadow and pond. Using professional equipment the pupils will discover what creatures can be found in each habitat. Comparisons and adaption are also covered.

Team Building (Suitable for all ages)

Tackle a variety of activities such as an obstacle course, orienteering and shelter building to discover the importance of being a team member.

Sustainability (Key Stage 2,3 and 4)

An interactive talk by Park staff about sustainability and how the Country Park and your school can do their bit. This is a two hour session with the talk lasting approximately 1 hour followed by a self-guided questionnaire/orienteering activity for the second hour.

Geography on Butser – (Key Stage 3 and 4)

This 2 hour session looks at the landscape and land form of Butser hill. We will also cover topics such as land use and conflict between users.

Man and the Landscape (Key stage 2 - 4)

A similar 2-hour session to the Conservation Management session following the same route but adapted to concentrate on landscape use and man’s impact on the landscape.

Key areas of discussion include farming, countryside recreation, historic landscape and land use in the future.

Wildlife Survey and Monitoring (April – September) (Key Stage 3, 4 and Further Ed)

A 2½ hour session looking at basic survey and monitoring techniques used at the Park. A typical session would include looking at reptile monitoring, small mammal trapping, vegetation assessment and simple tracking techniques. The maximum group size is 15.

Global Citizenship – The Conservation Perspective (Key Stage 3 and 4)

This 2 hour session is based upon experiences gained through our connection with the National Park in Uganda and work with organisations such as the IRF (International Ranger Federation), PACE (Pan African Conservation Education) and Education Uganda. The main emphasis of this session is to explore the global nature of conservation, the role and impact that the individual has on their natural environment. The session includes powerpoint and video presentations, role-playing exercises and group discussion.

Countryside Management (Key Stage 4/Further Ed)

This session looks at the management of the Country Park as a business and as a visitor destination in the current challenging economic climate. The role of the National Park partnership organisations and the local community are all featured.

Conservation Management (Key Stage 4/Further Ed)

This session looks at conservation work in the park and includes the management of vulnerable habitats , (e.g. chalk downland), species diversity, monitoring techniques and land designations.

Fun Ruck Sack

Why not hire a fun ruck sack for the day, we can provide mini-beasting equipment for your whole group including ID charts, blindfolds and much more. Ruck sacks cost £10 each and need to be booked in advance.

Orienteering

A pack is available with a map and notes on how to use the orienteering course. There are three suggested routes of varying difficulty. (Orienteering Pack 75p)

Space Trail

Believed to be the largest scale layout of the solar system in the British Isles. Devised by the Hampshire Astronomical Group. The trail is 3.2 Km and waymarked through the park. (Trail leaflet 50p)

Downland/Woodland Trails

Trails of varying duration allow you to explore many habitats and encompass spectacular views. Navigate by colour coded posts. (Maps cost 75p)

Mountain Biking

There are two trails designated for mountain-biking. The most suitable trail for all school groups is the purple trail which is 6km long and shown on the park map. Groups should be led by a qualified mountain biking instructor. The Park has a number of mountain bikes and adapted cycles which can be pre-booked along with a leader if required.

Costs

• Two hour guided session £4 per pupil
• All day guided Session £6 per pupil
• Accompanying Adults Free
• Fun Rucksack £10 per day

With guided session an indoor space will be provided free of charge

Hire of Annexe

• Half day £30
• Full day £50

Hire of Theatre

• Half day £30
• Full day £50

Maps and Leaflets can be brought from the Visitor Centre and vary in price.

Teacher information for your visit

We place great importance on the safety and enjoyment during your visit to the Country Park. To help with your visit preparation please read the following information on the Park in conjunction with all guidelines from your LEA and Governing body.

Booking and Visitor Centre Facilities

Please contact the Park Office or Education Officer to make a booking for either guided or self-guided activity. The Visitor Centre facilities include toilets, coach parking, walking routes, information desk, shop, café etc.

Coach parking

Parking charges apply

• £1 for 1 hour
• £2 per day
• £10 for coaches.

Arrival procedure for guided activities

On your arrival the teacher / group leader must report to the information desk in the Visitor Centre with the booking form to collect the parking permit (if applicable) and pay for the visit.

Supervision and pupil/leader ratios

The teacher / group leader is responsible for the discipline and overall control of the group at all times and for ensuring that all helpers are briefed on their responsibilities during the activities. Please follow the guidelines on pupil/leader ratios as specified by your LEA.

First Aid

Park staff are qualified first aiders and carry two way radios. If you require medical attention, or in the case of an accident, please report immediately to a member of Park staff.

Medical Conditions/Special Needs

Please ensure that all leaders are aware of the requirements of any pupils with a medical condition or special needs and that one leader is a first aider with a first aid kit.

Infectious Disease/Dangerous Plants or Animals

As with any countryside site, care needs to be taken if handling certain plants, materials or animals. The Education Officer has more detailed information if required.

Lunch Boxes and general belongings

With prior negotiation and at the owner’s risk, lunch boxes etc can be left in the Visitor Centre.

Terrain

Within the Country Park there are some steep slopes which can become slippery during wet weather. Stout footwear, a knowledge of the area you will be working in and firm discipline are advisable. For self guided groups a mobile phone is recommended.

Open Country

Part of the downland trail that crosses Butser Hill is classed as Open Country Walk. An Open Country Leaders Award ir required of the leader.

Clothing

Please ensure that all pupils and helpers are briefed prior to the visit regarding appropriate clothing. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Stout footwear, warm and waterproof clothing are essential at all times of year. Summer protective items include suncream and sunhat.

Risk Assessments

The Education Officer can advise on risk assessments but they should be used in conjunction with your own risk assessments and are not intended to stand alone.
Download our risk assessment document 74kb pdf

Insurance

Hampshire County Council insures itself and will deal with any claim made against it through established procedure.

Use of shop

If you would like your group to use the shop, it is advisable to pre-arrange a time with the reception staff before the day of your visit. The shop also has a ‘Goody Bag’ system where the items are pre-packed in paper bags for each pupil for a specified amount discussed with reception staff before your visit.