Caring Links- useful websites
This page provides links to other websites which may by useful. We can accept no responsibility for their content.
Hampshire Outdoor Education Service
Much of the information relating to advice, regulation and guidance from the Outdoor Education Unit is available via these web pages, with further information in a password protected area that your EVC (Educational Visits Co-ordinator) or senior Youth Worker can access.
Beaulieu Development Centre
A special centre hidden in the New Forest where high and low ropes, plus many problem solving challenges amongst the trees, provide opportunities for team building and personal development.
Hampshire Gardens Trust
Offering assistance to schools developing their gardens and using them for learning.
HDRA's Organic Network for Schools
An excellent resource for any school involved in developing their gardens.
Hi-tech Wild-trek
Have a wildlife expert to visit your school with his hi-tech trailer. Provides an exciting day and great resources for longer term use.
Learning Through Landscapes
Information, advice and resources linked to all aspects of school grounds development.
Minstead Study Centre
A magical New Forest Centre with residential facilities, where Earth education comes to life.
Schools Landscape Project
Hampshire schools can take advantage of the expertise of landscape architects to design and develop their grounds.
Sparsholt Schools Centre for Environmental Education
A unique day centre based at Sparsholt College offering a range of rural and environmental education opportunities, across the key stages. Free to Hampshire schools!
Stubbington Study Centre
A very popular residential centre by the coast, offering lots of activities for learning and developing key skills.
Visit the County's website to get suggestions and information on becoming a sustainable school.
Tile Barn
Hampshire's camping and outdoor centre in the New Forest, soon to be extended with a new bunk house. Problem solving, mountain biking, heavy and lightweight camping, plus new Trailblazer activities, are just a few of the opportunities on offer.
The Sustainability Centre
An education centre focusing on sustainable practice and environmental issues, set in 55 acres of varied habitats.
Young People's Trust for the Environment
A charity offering loads of fact sheets, awards, school tasks and much more.
Whilst every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date it is inevitable that web sites and contacts change. Please inform the Trailblazer office if you encounter any changes, or if you find any new ideas or resources that can be added.
School Grounds:
About Organics | Information and advice about leading a healthy and organic lifestyle, including organic gardening and links to retailers. | |
Alan Titchmarsh – Gardens for Schools | Trust fund to finance garden projects for primary schools – up to £500 for plants, tools etc. | |
Apple Day | Initiated by Common Ground in 1990, this annual October event celebrates apples, orchards and local distinctiveness. There are events around the county – why not join them? | www.commonground.org.uk/appleday
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British Trees | A site with a wealth of reference material for all those interested in our native trees. | |
BTCV | The Education Team offer county-wide support to groups embarking on projects to utilise and enhance their own grounds or adjacent sites. Membership of the Community network at £35 gives access to local help, funding info, training opportunities. Includes teachers pack. | r.moroney@btcv.org.uk
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Building a compost box | Clear instructions for making a moveable, wooden compost box. Other factsheets and guides available. | |
Eastleigh Borough Council | Itchen Hamble Countryside Project – advice, design and practical help in school grounds. | www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ebc-1758 023 8068 8154 ihcp@eastleigh.gov.uk |
English Nature | Lesson plans which meet the requirements of the National Curriculum. Activities and information to help pupils understand nature and our impact on the natural environment. | Hampshire & IOW team English Nature 1SouthamptonRoad Lyndhurst SO43 7BU 023 8028 6410 hants.iwight@english-nature.org.uk |
Flourish Campaign | The RHS will support development of gardens in schools and youth groups. You can get free advice and also put you in touch with funding bodies to help finance your scheme. | www.rhs.org.uk/learning/education/schools schools@rhs.org.uk |
Garden Advice | Lots of information and advice is available at this website. Includes a Young Gardeners Club, competitions and free advice service. Monthly newsletter. | |
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust | The Trust can provide INSET training for using school grounds and environmental education. Courses are run at the Field Study Centres, or they will visit schools to provide advice and training. | |
Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership | Education and Awareness Plan relating to school grounds development. | click on Biodiversity Partnership |
How to Make a Worm Composter | Detailed and easy to follow instructions for making and maintaining a worm composter. | click on activity zone and then wonderful worms |
How to make compost | Clear and simple instructions for making your own compost. Includes what can and can’t be composted and general care tips. | |
It’s Not Easy Being Green | To celebrate the second series of It’s Not Easy Being Green Schools have produced supporting content including lesson plans. | |
Japanese Knotweed | How to recognise control and prevent the spread of this vigorous and damaging plant. | |
Kids Organic Club | Facts and fun are combined at this interactive organic farm for kids. | www.kids.organics.org |
Organic Garden | Ideas for simple activities to carry out in an organic garden. | |
Organic Network for Schools | Membership of this HDRA scheme is free to schools, and will provide excellent information and advice on developing an organic garden. Activity and information sheets, fun zone, topical news and events are available on the website. Well worth joining! | www.hdra.org.uk/schools_organic_network Duchy Originals HDRA Organic Gardens for Schools Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry, Warks CV8 3LG 024 7630 8238 enquiry@schoolsorganic.net
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Plantlife | Charity organisation promoting conservation and sustainability of Britain’s plantlife. Membership will give information, magazine and access to reserves plus volunteer opportunities. | PlantLife International 14 Rollestone Street Salisbury Wiltshire SP1 1DX 01722 343730 |
Potatoes for Schools | A website for teachers and children with a lot of information, learning actvities, lesson ideas and support for growing potatoes in school. Free teacher’s pack available. | enquiries@plantlife.org.uk 01865 782276 |
Pro-Grow | Fine grade, peat free, organic soil conditioner and other products accredited by the Soil Association. | Pro-Grow Quarry Bank 29a Berkley Road Frome Somerset BA11 2ED 01373 465767 |
Royal Botanic Gardens – Kew and Wakehurst Place | Inspiring and exciting gardens to visit, plus a wealth of information available about plants and their uses. Teachers packs are available for use on a visit. The UK’s first interactive botanical playzone now open for 3-6 years olds. | www.rbgkew.org.uk Education Dept Kew, Richmond 020 8332 5640 020 8332 5655 |
School Garden | Activities to help decide the best place for a garden in the school grounds. | |
School Woodland Initiative | Series of workshops to enable schools to survey, analyse and plan their woodlands. | Charlotte Smith 01962 846825 Charlotte.smith@hants.gov.uk |
Schools Landscape Project | Landscape architects, based in HCC Environment department, support schools in extending their school grounds use, through the creation of good quality environments. They help each school audit the existing grounds and develop an improvement plan, to implement during a 12-18 month working partnership. SLP works with 18 schools per year, with selection made in Spring. A steering group and full pupil participation is an essential requirement for any SLP scheme. | www.hants.gov.uk/landscape-and-heritage/improving-your -environment/school-landscapes Jane Hunter 01962 845973 planhu@hants.gov.uk Schools Landscape Project Environment Dept. Ashburton Court West, The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UE |
School Works | An organisation which believes the design of secondary schools should create beautiful and functional places in which standards of educational achievement are high. An A-Z Sketchbook is available which gets students to think about the importance of their school environment. | Email: mail@school-works.org Tel: 0845 456 1803 Book costs £10 + p & p |
Southampton City Council | Environmental work on school grounds. | Mark Ellison – Principal urban designer 023 8083 2889 |
Stag Beetle Refuges | Information about creating suitable habitats for stag beetles. Free information factsheets on endangered species are also available. | People’s Trust for Endangered Species 020 7498 4533
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Sustainable Schools | Visit the County’s website to get suggestions and information on becoming a sustainable school. | |
700The Coombes School | An inspirational school with extensive school grounds development including geology trails, outdoor classrooms and many other exciting ideas. | |
The Garden Helper | Gardening and landscape advice and tips for the beginner as well as for the veteran gardener. | |
The Growing Schools Garden | A garden tour of Growing Schools Show Garden, resources and the project diary are amongst the information available on the schools garden website, about the very special garden created at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2002. Inspirational ideas from real schools – see the TES website for articles too (search under “growing schools”). | Growing.Schools@dfes.gsi.gov.uk |
The Ponds Conservation Trust | A national charity aiming to create and restore ponds, safeguard biodiversity and provide information, practical advice and resources. | Pond Conservation School of Life Sciences Oxford Brooks University Gipsy Lane Oxford OX3 0BP 01865 483249 info@pondconservation.org.uk |
The Royal Forestry Society | Information about trees and how to manage them. Includes links to sites for schools with lots of information, including offers of grants. | 102 High Street Tring Herts HP23 4AF 01442 822028 rfshq@rfs.org.uk
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The Wildlife Trust’s Guide to Wildlife Gardening (leaflet) | A guide to making room for wildlife in your garden and gardening for wildlife. | The Wildlife Trusts, The Kiln Waterside Mather Road NG24 1WT 01636 670091 jrawlin@wildlifetrusts.org
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Time for beds | Times Educational Supplement article regarding the development of the grounds of an infant school in North Hampshire. | TES August 31 2001 www.tes.co.uk (archive search under title) |
Tree Dressing Day | An annual event aimed at encouraging a celebration of trees all over the country. Always the first weekend in December. | Click on trees, woods & the Green Man & Tree Dressing Day Posters £5 plus p+p, plus other publications available |
Using Mulches | A teacher’s guide to using mulches for clearing ground and weed control. | |
Yellow Woods Challenge | Recycling Yellow Pages as part of a competition. Also includes downloadable posters and activity sheets for KS1-3 on a variety on environmental topics. | ypdirectoryrecycling@yellgroup.com |
Your School Grounds Handbook | Free booklet introducing the process of re-planning your school grounds. |
Recycling & Waste Management:
Alupro Education | Website includes KS2 downloadable materials. Recycle cans and foil for helping to grow trees, food and medicine in Africa. | info@alupro.org.uk
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Carymoor Environmental Centre | Near Castle Cary, Somerset, this unique centre shows visitors how truckloads of household rubbish can be turned into compost, electricity and clean water. Includes two classrooms and programmes for across the key stages in Science, Geography, Citizenship in particular. | For visits: schools@carymoor.org.uk 01963 350143 |
Cycler – the rapping robot | Cycler is a free educational show provided for primary schools, putting forward the reduce, reuse, recycle message all over the UK. May be most suitable for KS2. | |
Eco Schools Awards | Set up to encourage and enable schools to make sustainable development a part of the life and ethos of school. Designed to fit into the curriculum, it is an award scheme that gets everyone in the school community involved in making the school environment better. Website includes links to useful organisations and resources available. Registered schools have opportunity to apply for funding up to £5,000. | 01942 612 621 Eco-schools@encams.org |
EcoCartridge Collect | Organisation who will take empty cartridges for recycling. | 0870 8410050 fax: 0870 8410060 ecollect@aol.com |
How to Make Recycled Paper | Clear and easy to follow instructions for making recycled paper, including the frames required to press it. | click on activity zone |
INCPEN Packaging The Packaging Education Programme | Information on resources, KS 2-4, lesson suggestions, history of packaging, glossary and information from the packaging industry itself which could be of interest in a larger project. Aim of this website is to educate young people about the essential part that packaging plays in the modern world. | 0118 925 5991 info@incpen.org |
Kettering Textiles | A company specialising in processing secondhand clothing. Lots of information about their operations on the website. | 01933 442833 info@kettex.com |
Little Rotters | A child friendly website to learn about composting. | |
School Stories | Click here to view how some schools are working to put ESD at the heart of school life. | |
Natural Resources and Recycling: Take Action | Projects you can do to help find out more about natural resources and recycling and living in a more sustainable way. Website includes games and puzzles. | |
Ollie Recycles | Website with lots of ideas and information about recycling. Includes games etc. for children, and teachers resources. | info@olliesworld.com |
Project Integra | Hampshires integrated waste management initiative with lots of information and access to resources. | |
Recoup | The UK’s household plastics recycling organisation. The website includes information, downloadable material and access to site links. | 01733 390021 enquiry@recoup.org |
Recycled Bird Feeders | A design suggestion for a bird feeder made out of an empty drinks bottle - to hang in your grounds? | www.rspb.org.uk/youth/ makeanddo/activities/birdfeeder.asp
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Recycle-more | Information on recycling in the UK, including ideas for carrying out curricular work in a variety of subjects, recycling games, activities and much more. Print off posters. | |
Salvation Army Trading Company | Textile banks around the country recycle clothing to create jobs, raise money for good causes and help the environment. | 01933 441086 office@satradingco.org |
School Litter Survey | Group activity to investigate litter in school grounds and create an action plan if necessary. | |
Southampton Recycling and Rubbish | Details of the kerbside and other recycling services in the city. Plus tips on reducing waste and links to other useful sites. | www.southampton.gov.uk/ recyclingandrubbish 023 8022 3855 |
Steel Can Recycling Information Bureau | Corus’ redesigned website includes resources, free activities, factsheets, quiz, fun and games. A lot of information on recycling steel and the importance of recycling. | |
The Dustbin Pack | A cross curricular downloadable pack for 7-11 year olds. Examines waste and recycling in detail with fun activities and information. Work at Waste at School – a guide which illustrates the educational and environmental benefits of schools in reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Free to download. | Waste Watch Free with large A5 Jiffi pack and 2 first class stamps. The Dustbin Pack Waste Watch 56-64 Leonard Street London EC2A 4JX info@wastewatch.org.uk |
Recycling | A website with a lot of information on recycling and top tips for schools. Includes fun activities and facts. | Click on What more can I do/top tips/at schools |
The Environment – how can you help protect it? | Factsheet with ideas about helping to protect the environment from waste to the ozone layer. | Young People’s Trust for the Environment www.yptenc.org.uk/docs/ factsheets/env_facts/ environment.html |
Waste and Recycling | A new website for children to learn about responsible waste disposal, introduce good recycling practices and test their environmental knowledge. Includes teachers zone, fun & games and grant possibilities. | |
WRAP | The Waste & Resources Action Programme is working to promote sustainable waste management by creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products. They have information and resources about all aspects of recycling and a guide to finding recycled products. | 0808 100 2040 info@wrap.org.uk |
Energy Management:
CREATE | The Centre for Research, Education and Training in Energy is aimed at promoting and coordinating energy education and school energy management. They offer free curriculum support, information resources and advice. They also provide teacher training on energy matters. Includes kids zone. | PO Box 561 Standish Wigan WN1 9DU 01257 422800 mail@create.org.uk |
Electricity in Education | Lots of information about electricity and energy, including activities and games. (Some resources limited to London schools, South East and East of England.) Suitable for 7-11 and 11-14 years old. Downloadable worksheets & assessments. | |
Renewable energy | Details of the DTI’s It’s only natural schools programme. Provides information and teaching resources, case studies and links to other useful websites particularly for geography. Downloadable material available. | |
Sustainable Learning | A DfES website committed to embedding sustainable development in schools. Lots of information on how to get started. | Helpline 08701 282820 |
Sustainable Schools | Advice and information for schools wanting to become sustainable. Includes downloadable material. | |
Green Energy | The National Energy Foundation’s website providing information about renewable energy and sustainable development. Includes an education section and details about the Green Energy Machine for school visits, activity & factsheets. Renewable energy kits for schools available for sale. Funding information. |
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Think Energy | British Gas website with resources and ideas for learning about energy efficiency. Suitable for 11-18 year olds | www.think-energy.com |
Water Management:
Saving Water and Energy | Activity sheet and form to complete a water survey around school. Information on energy and the environment and how we can save it. | http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/CalendarClub/activity/index.cfm?attr=0 |
The Environment Agency – Water Resources | Information about our water resources, the water industry and lots of ideas about becoming more water efficient. | |
The Water Family | An on-line game aimed at 8 to 11 year olds which encourages children to think of ways they can save water. Links to related websites. | |
Water Aid | Resources for all ages about water issues facing the entire world. Includes sections for under 11s, 11-14 and 15-18, as well as extra information for teachers. Includes Splash Out – fundraising site for kids – fun ideas, games and facts. | |
Water in the School | Information, software, activity sheets and a variety of other resources are provided free via the website to encourage schools to improve their water use. Includes a Water Meter Project. | |
Water Survey | Ideas for surveying water use within your school or organisation. The stimulus for a larger project? |
Travel and Transport:
Environmental Transport Association | An organisation campaigning for a sound and sustainable transport system for Britain. Includes organising Green Transport Week and In Town Without My Car Day, plus research into environmental transport issues. | ETA 0845 389 1010 |
Safe routes to schools | A sustrans initiative to promote sustainable travel on the journey to school. (Also see School Travel Plans below) | Safe Routes to Schools Information Service 0117 915 0100 schools@sustrans.org.uk |
Safety Matters | A resource website for KS2 teachers, pupils and parents about road safety, including access to free resources and useful links. | |
School Travel Plans | Support is available from the team at HCCs Environment Department for schools wishing to develop their own travel plans. This can include assistance in reducing congestion, developing more environmentally-friendly transport to school and much more. | www.hants.gov.uk/schooltravelplans/ 01962 845638 Schooltravelplans@hants.gov.uk |
Sustainable School Travel Database | The Department for Transport site offers a catalogue of information and classroom materials relating to sustainable travel. | |
Watch out please – because we are about | Primary enquiry into local area, school gate and improving school traffic | Jeff Stanfield Available from Trailblazer office or via the HIAS Geography website |
Conservation Work:
Basingstoke Conservation Volunteers | All welcome, children under 14 with an adult, plus events. | |
Bat Conservation Trust | Includes Young Bat Worker Club under Bat Kids. Information about British bats, including details about habitats, identification, local groups and conservation. | Chris and Mike Pawling, Hampshire Bat Group Bishopstoke 02380 617551 Michael.pawling@btinternet.com |
Butterfly Conservation Society | Dedicated to saving wild butterflies, moths and their habitats. Visit Yew Hill Butterfly Reserve near Winchester to see many species. | |
Hampshire Conservation Volunteers | An active group of people who make a practical contribution to nature conservation in Hampshire. All welcome, under 16s with adult, events and residentials. | mail@hcv.org.uk Southampton Hugh Corry 023 8039 7928 North Hants Mark Dakin 01252 547508 |
Hampshire Paths Partnership | A scheme designed to give local communities the opportunity and ability to improve and promote their public path network. | Hampshire County Council (Rights of Way) Mottisfont Court, High Street, Winchester, SO23 8BR |
Itchen Hamble Conservation Volunteers | Run by the Itchen Hamble Countryside Project this group undertake a variety of activities in the Eastleigh area, including work in school grounds. | Countryside Projects Officer I H C P Civic Offices Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9YN 023 80688154 ihcp@eastleigh.gov.uk |
dth2726Woodland Trust | Useful links to other educational sites, as well as information about local activities such as tree planting. List of local Woodland Trust sites. |
Caring for the Environment
August 10 (CB) 15
Global Issues:
Europa Environment | This website has information about EU policies on biotechnology, climate change, land use and sustainable development. The resources sections offers links to other sites, details of current legislation, press releases, statistics, case studies and video clips. |
Cool Kids for Cool Climate | The environmental issues of climate change are explored at this website. |
Co-op | The Co-operative group have a tradition of ethical trading and concern for the environment. | |
Global Footprints | Activities for kids, information and lesson ideas with National Curriculum links are all found at this great website. The opportunity to measure your school’s impact and use of sustainability issues for literacy, numeracy and citizenship lessons. |
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Hampshire Development Education Centre | Information and resources for schools relating to development education, children’s rights and global citizenship. | 01962 856106 (term time only) mail@hampshiredec.org.uk |
World Wide Fund for Nature | Information and resources for schools about sustainable development. | www.wwflearning.co.uk |
Other:
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council | Environment and Regeneration Grant – competitive award once a year. Contact Julian for more information and to ensure your project is eligible. | 01256 845412 |
British Bee Keeping Association | Information and advice on keeping bees. A Key Stage 1 & 2 resource pack “Bees in the Curriculum” available on the bees4kids site plus information and things to do. | |
Common Ground | An organisation dedicated to improving the quality of our everyday places. Includes the campaign for local distinctiveness and many others. | Gold Hill House, 21HighStreet, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP78JE 01747 850820 |
Creative Office Environments | A firm specialising in producing office furniture made from recycled materials. | 1 Hulles Way, North Baddesley Southampton SO52 9NS 02380 739401 |
Eco Schools | An international programme for environmental education and sustainability which fits in well with Trailblazer. Provides ideas and resources for developing a long-term sustainable plan for your school. | eco-schools@encams.org 01942 612621 |
Sustainable Development | DFES has a sustainable development policy and an Action Plan which can be downloaded. Check out the website. | |
ESD Toolkit | A manual to assist in beginning the process of combining education and sustainability. Includes lesson ideas and resources to promote ESD. | |
Forest Stewardship Council | Information on FSC who promote sustainable management of the world’s forests and certify timber products from well-managed woodlands. | Forest Stewardship Council 01686 413916 |
Grab 5 | Linked to Sustain – an alliance for better food and farming, Grab 5 gives information, advice and resources for encouraging children to eat more healthily. |
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It is our park too | Primary enquiry into local play park. | Jeff Stanfield Available from Trailblazer office |
Rare Breeds Survival Trust | Charity working for the conservation, promotion and study of rare breeds of farm livestock. | 024 7669 6551 |
School Councils | One in three primaries and two in three secondaries now have school councils – this site can help yours be one of the effective ones. Includes guidelines on setting up councils and hints for improving existing ones, with a range of resources. | 0845 456 9428 |
The Meatrix | An animated website fighting against factory farming worldwide with a UK section containing links to related sites. | |
Young Peoples Trust for the Environment | Free school talks on sustainable development, conservation, wildlife or the environment (within 100 miles Guildford). Also fact sheets, field study days and residentials, awards… | ypteinfo@btconnect.com 01460 249163 |
Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UJ
This page was last updated on 24 August 2010. © Copyright Hampshire County Council 2012.