hantsweb

Bring the Iron Age to life with a visit to Danebury Hill Fort. We have costumes and artefacts, can recreate the footprint of a roundhouse and storm the gates.

Alternatively discover the creepy-crawlies living in the area of special scientific interest, come for a spider safari or conduct a minibeast survey.

We recommend a half day session at the Hill Fort is linked to a visit to the Museum of the Iron Age, Andover which houses the artefacts excavated from the Hill Fort. Alternatively a whole day session at Danebury could be run jointly by the Countryside Service and the Museum of the Iron Age, Andover tel 01264 366283.

Activities

• A range of activities suitable for KS1 and KS2 pupils. The activities can be adapted to suit your needs and relate to the National Curriculum. See session plans for details.
• We encourage schools to come out to our sites to experience nature and the local environment first hand, however in exceptional circumstances we will consider travelling to schools.

Facilities

• Coach and car park
• Parking is free
• Toilets, including an accessible toilet, open April - October

Accessibility

• There is a continuous moderate gradient from the car park up to the hill fort with a short steeper section at the top
• The Hill Fort is fenced, access is through gates or kissing gates

Booking

• We always recommend a short pre-visit to finalise arrangements
• email CentralSitesEducation@hants.gov.uk to enquire about activities, arrange a pre-visit or book a session
• Download Booking form

Cost

• A Ranger led 1.5 hour session costs £2 per student with a minimum charge of £30.
• There will be a maximum of 30 students per session

Before your visit

• We strongly recommend a pre-visit to familiarise yourself with the site and complete your own risk assessments. If you require guidance on activities or sites please don’t hesitate to contact us.
• Supervision Ratios: under 5 years 1:6, under 8 years 1:8, 8 -18 years 1:12. These ratios do not include the Ranger.
• Please ensure your group brings appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for all weathers. In summer supplies of water and sun cream are advised.
• School staff are responsible for ensuring the Ranger is aware of any child with additional needs or medical requirements.
• Please ensure all teachers and adult helpers are briefed on their roles and responsibilities prior to the visit.

On the day

• School staff are responsible for the welfare and behaviour of children throughout your visit including breaks and during Ranger led activities.
• Please ensure you have a nominated first aider for your visit and that they carry a first-aid kit.
• The Ranger will meet you at the pre-arranged point with resources and equipment for the activities you have booked.

After your visit

• Please complete an evaluation form to help us develop and improve our programme.

These are generic hazards and controls that may help you with your risk assessment.

• Car Parks
   
   
   
  
• Injury from traffic
  Low
  High
  Activities will be held away from car parks.
  
  Vigilance and close group control.
  
• All sites
   
   
   
  
• Proximity to roads
  Low
  High
  Activities should be held away from roads.
  
  Vigilance and close group control.
  
  Working area clearly defined.
  
  Verbal warning in introduction.
  
• Slips, trips and falls
  Medium
  Medium
  Verbal warning in introduction.
  
  Working area clearly defined.
  
  Groups advised to wear suitable footwear.
  
• Steep slopes
  Medium
  High
  Verbal warning in introduction.
  
• Cuts and scratches from plants
  Medium
  Low
  Verbal warning in introduction.
  
• Allergies to insects and plants
  Low
  Medium
  Ensure school staff are aware of allergies and have the appropriate medication.
  
• Dog bites
  Low
  Medium
  Signs asking public to keep dogs under control.
  
  Rangers will give warning if inappropriate behaviour is spotted.
  
  Verbal warning to stay away from dogs and not to attempt to stroke them.
  
• Snake bites
  Low
  High
  Verbal warning in introduction.
  
• Heat exhaustion
  Low
  Medium
  Groups are advised to bring sun cream and extra water.
  
• Exposure
  Low
  Low
  Groups are advised to bring waterproofs and an extra layer.
  
• Abduction, verbal abuse or assault by member of public
  Low
  High
  Groups are advised on ratios of adults to children and to take regular headcounts.
  
• Injury from falling trees and branches
  Low
  High
  Yearly tree surveys.