School visits
The varied habitats and abundant wildlife can be used to teach a host of subjects linked to the national curriculum. A visit to the nature reserve also offers children a multi-sensory experience beyond the curriculum.
Schools activities
Activities can either be booked individually or combined for longer sessions. Timings are given for each activity. Activities can also be interspersed with environmental games with educational themes for a more varied, light-hearted approach. Please contact Julian Sheppard if you would like to know more about the range of games available. Most activities are only suitable for groups of a maximum of 20 children. Therefore with larger classes, we will arrange the session so that the group splits in two. This is where two activities are often appropriate with the two groups swapping over halfway through the session.
Activity sessions
The Visitor Centre
- Exhibition, hands-on children's puzzles and games, shop, toilets, tea rooms.
- Indoor function room available for teaching purposes or lunches under cover.
- Enclosed wildlife garden with outdoor seating.
- Storage facilities.
The Nature Reserve
- Six hides, each capable of accommodating up to 20 children.
- Panoramic views of the River Meon, flood meadows, reedbeds and lakes.
- Displays in hides.
- Surfaced paths and wooden boardwalks providing the special opportunity to walk through reedbeds and marshes without getting your feet wet!
- Pond with purpose-built dipping platform.
- Opportunities for close encounters with birds, insects, mammals and plants.
Meon Shore
- Easily accessible beach next to car park and Visitor Centre.
- Shingle shore with rockpools providing opportunities for beachcombing and sea shore activities.
Services
- Experienced and dedicated staff and volunteers.
- A varied programme of activities linked to the curriculum both on and off site.
- Environmental games.
- A large stock of equipment including binoculars, telescope, dipping nets, trays, pooters, magnifying pots and identification books and keys.
- Tailor-made activities.
Activitiy sessions
Booking
Please book all educational services in advance using our online booking forms. Bookings can only be confirmed by email or telephone call after a booking form is received.