Add a sense of awe and wonder to the learning experiences of young people from early years to university age by using one of the County’s country parks or countryside sites as a fabulous outdoor classroom.

Our dedicated and experienced staff at each site work closely with teachers in the planning stage of a visit.  They can make suggestions for the day’s programme of work, supplying excellent tailor-made information in order to meet learning objectives for both guided and self-guided groups.

A pre-visit is strongly recommended so that teachers can familiarise themselves with location, facilities and safety considerations.

The wide range of activities represented offers children a wealth of learning opportunities outside the classroom – take advantage of what Hampshire’s countryside has to offer.

The Countryside Service supports the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto launched by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in November 2006.

“Learning outside the classroom has great benefits for children and young people, bringing learning to life and inspiring them through real life experiences". Find out more at the Learning Outside the Classroom website.

The Countryside service will continue to work with schools, local authorities, parents and carers to provide an exciting range of teaching and learning opportunities outside the classroom.

Some of the benefits of outdoor learning

• Develops key skills
• Promotes health and fitness
• Raises achievement
• Improves social skills
• Develops independence
• Makes learning more relevant
• Stimulates, inspires and motivates
• Improves attitude to learning
• Encourages responsibility
• Supports a wide range of curriculum areas

Staunton Country Park
A Regency estate with a walled garden, glasshouses, ornamental farm, maze and 400 hectares of Parkland. The Education Service provides a programme of guided sessions and independent packages from early years to adult education courses on a variety of topics. Continued Professional Development days for teaching staff are also available. Education pack available for download.
email staunton.education@hants.gov.uk
tel 023 9245 3405

Lepe Country Park
A coastal park of shingle shore, cliffs, wildflower meadows, woodland, river and recreation areas fringed by the North Solent Nature Reserve, Lepe is the ideal place to bring learning to life. There is plenty of historical interest with the remains of a major D-Day launching point on site. Ranger led and self-led groups, activity packs and equipment available for hire.
Suitable for all age groups.
tel 023 8089 9108

Yateley Common Country Park
Hampshire’s largest common, with woodlands, heathlands, ponds and a middle stone age site. The ranger staff provide an education service to local schools and have an education brochure on their web page. Suitable for KS1 & KS2.
email northern.sites@hants.gov.uk
tel 01252 870425

Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Hampshire’s largest country park with 600 hectares of dramatic downland and beautiful woodland located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A wide range of educational opportunities are available with activities suitable for all age groups from minibeasts through to conservation and countryside management.
email qecp.enquiries@hants.gov.uk
tel 023 9259 5040

Westwood Sites
Encompassing Westwood Woodland Park with spectacular views over Southampton Water, Netley Common with its Bronze age tumulus and Whiteley Coppices, an ancient woodland. These three sites are alive with wildlife and history. Ranger led activities for local schools.
Suitable for KS1 & KS2.
email areasouth.countryside@hants.gov.uk
tel 023 8045 6484

Basingstoke Canal
Constructed at the end of the 18th century to increase trade between Hampshire and London. The Hampshire length of the canal has many interesting and surprising features. Bring your group to the Canal Centre for the day where a package of activities is tailored to your requirements covering the history, wildlife and maintenance of the canal.
Suitable for early years, KS1 & KS2.
Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey, GU16 6DD
email info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk
tel 01252 370073

Farley Mount Country Park
Superb chalk downland and ancient woodland 5 miles from Winchester. Many educational opportunities on offer, from early years to adult education. Rangers can tailor the visits to suit your needs upon booking.
email centralcountrysidesites@hants.gov.uk
tel 01962 860948

Danebury
A spectacular Iron Age hill fort, historically one of the most important in Europe. The 40 hectare site  near Stockbridge has been extensively excavated by archaeologists since 1968. The high banked defensive earthworks were brilliantly designed over 2000 years ago. A visit to the Museum of the Iron Age in Andover is a must. Rangers can tailor the visits to suit your needs upon booking.
Suitable for all age groups.
email centralcountrysidesites@hants.gov.uk
tel 01962 860948

Royal Victoria Country Park
Overlooking Southampton Water, the Park was once the site of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital and includes parkland, woodland, seashore and ponds. The former Chapel is now the Park’s Heritage Centre. A wide range of environmental education activities and also Victorian social history.
Suitable for KS1 & KS2.
Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5GA
email areasouth.countryside@hants.gov.uk
tel 023 8045 5157

Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve
The Nature Reserve covers more than 120 hectares of the Lower Meon Valley. High quality hides provide spectacular views of the wildlife and a network of paths and boardwalks lead through rare and unspoilt landscape. Easy access to the shingle and sand of the beaches at Hill Head and Meon Shore with extensive mudflats exposed at low tide. A varied programme of activities linked to the curriculum both on and off site.
Suitable for all age groups.
email areasouth.countryside@hants.gov.uk
tel 01329 662145

Manor Farm Country Park
A working farm of a bygone age set in a scenic landscape of farmland and ancient woodland on the banks of the River Hamble. Living history activities give children hands-on experience of Victorian life in the farmyard, cottage or school room whilst the varied landscape provides opportunities for field studies. Visits tailor made to your needs.
Suitable for early years, KS1 & KS2.
email areasouth.countryside@hants.gov.uk
tel 01489 787055