Our country parks offer excellent outdoor environmental activity sessions for all ages which can be easily tailored to meet your needs. These run year round in all weathers, during school term times.
Barnwell Country Park, Sywell Country Park, Irchester Country Park, East Carlton Country Park and Fermyn Woods Country Park all provide Education Ranger-led sessions for various groups including:
playgroups
school groups (nursery to sixth form)
organisations such as youth clubs, out of school clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies
adult and community organisations
What we can offer
experienced activity leaders
bespoke activity packages
practical and fun hands on sessions
pre-visit discussions and information
assistance with risk assessments
provision of all field equipment and materials
easy access trails
children’s play areas
a range of habitats
Ranger-led activities
We offer a variety of activities, listed below are the main themes which will give you an idea of what we can offer.
Each activity is generally based on a class of 30 pupils working with a Ranger (unless otherwise specified). If you are bringing a larger group, we can combine activities. Please bear in mind that moving between sessions takes time and may limit time spent on each activity.
Our Education Ranger-led sessions have been tailored to be relevant to national curriculum targets:
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at all parks, £5.50 per child
Key Stage 1 Science
observing closely, using simple equipment
identifying and classifying
identify and name a variety of common wild plants
identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores
identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other
identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including micro-habitats
describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food
find out about and describe the basic needs of animals for survival (water, food and air)
Lower KS2 Science
gather, record, classify
record findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys
recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment
recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things
interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey
Upper KS2 Science
record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys
describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals
give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics
describe the differences in the life cycles of a mammal, an amphibian, an insect and a bird
describe the life process of reproduction in some plants and animals
Half day session, suitable for KS1 at Barnwell Country Park, Fermyn Woods Country Park and Irchester Country Park and KS2 at all parks, £5.50 per child
KS1 Geography
use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical and human features
use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language - for example, near and far; left and right, to describe the location of features and routes on a map
use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features
KS1 Mathematics
solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
KS2 Geography
use the eight points of a compass, four and six-figure grid references, symbols and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps)
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at all parks, £5.50 per child
KS1 Science
ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways
use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
observe closely, using simple equipment
identify and classify
identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores
identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other
identify and name a variety of animals in their habitats, including micro-habitats
describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food
find out about and describe the basic needs of animals for survival (water, food and air)
Lower KS2 Science
gather, record, classify
record findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys
recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment
Upper KS2 Science
record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys
describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including animals
give reasons for classifying animals based on specific characteristics
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at all parks, £5.50 per child
KS1 Geography
use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical and human features
use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language - for example, near and far; left and right, to describe the location of features and routes on a map
use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features
KS1 Mathematics
solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
KS2 Geography
use the eight points of a compass, four and six-figure grid references, symbols and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps)
Half day session, suitable for KS2, available at Barnwell Country Park, Fermyn Woods Country Park and Sywell Country Park, £5.50 per child
KS1 Science
observe closely, using simple equipment
identify and classify
identify and name a variety of common animals including fish and amphibians
describe and compare the structure of a variety of common animals including fish and amphibians
identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores
identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other
identify and name a variety of animals in their habitats, including micro-habitats
describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using the idea of a simple food chain, and identify and name different sources of food
find out about and describe the basic needs of animals for survival (water, food and air)
Lower KS2 Science
gather, record, classify
record findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys
recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment
interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey
Upper KS2 Science
record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys
give reasons for classifying animals based on specific characteristics
describe the differences in the life cycles of amphibians and insects
describe the life process of reproduction in some animals
describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including animals
give reasons for classifying animals based on specific characteristics
identify how animals are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution
Half day session, suitable for EYFS, available at Irchester Country Park, £5.50 per child
KS1 Geography
use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical and human features
use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language - for example, near and far; left and right, to describe the location of features and routes on a map
use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features
KS1 Mathematics
solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
KS2 Geography
use the eight points of a compass, four and six-figure grid references, symbols and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps)
Half day session, suitable for KS2, available at Barnwell Country Park, £8 per child
KS1 Geography
use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical and human features
use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features
use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of (a local environment) and the key human and physical features
KS1 Science
identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including water and rock
KS1 History
significant historical places in their own locality
KS2 History
a study over time tracing how several aspects of national history are reflected in the locality
Lower KS2 Science
describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock
recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter
identify the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle and associate the rate of evaporation with temperature
Upper KS2 Science
use knowledge of solids, liquids and gases to decide how mixtures might be separated, including through filtering, sieving and evaporating
identify the effects of water resistance
recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago
Half day session, suitable for Primary, available at Irchester Country Park and East Carlton Country Park, £5.50 per child
KS1 Science
observe closely, using simple equipment
identify and classify
identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including rock
describe the simple physical properties of everyday materials
compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties
find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed
Lower KS2 Science
gather, record, classify
compare and group together different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties
describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock
recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter
observe that some materials change state when they are heated
Upper KS2 Science
recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the
Earth millions of years ago
KS1 Geography
use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to physical and human features
understand the processes that give rise to key physical geographical features and how they change over time
use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography and physical features of their surrounding environment
use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features
KS2 Geography
Name key topographical features and land-use patterns; and understand how some of these aspects have changed over time
describe and understand key aspects of physical and human geography
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at all parks, £5.50 per child
KS1 Science
Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways
observe closely
identify and classify
use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
identify and name a variety of common wild plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees
identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including micro-habitats
distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made
observe changes across the four seasons
Lower KS2 Science
ask relevant questions
make systematic and careful observations
identify differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
gather, record, classify
recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things
Upper KS2 Science
recognise that sounds get fainter as the distance from the sound source increases
describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at Irchester Country Park and East Carlton Country Park, £10 per child
KS1 History
events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally
KS2 History
changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
KS1 Science
identify and name a variety of common wild plants
identify and name a variety of plants in their habitats
find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival (water, food and air)
distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made
identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, water, and rock
describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials
identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood and rock for particular uses
Lower KS2 Science
recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things
Lower KS2 Science
identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution
KS1 PSHE
to listen to other people, and play and work cooperatively
meet and talk with people
develop relationships through work and play
KS2 PSHE
that their actions affect themselves and others, to care about other people’s feelings and to try to see things from their points of view
meet and talk with people – for example, people who work in the neighbourhood
develop relationships through work and play
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at all parks, £5.50 per child
KS1 Science
identify and name a variety of common wild plants
identify and name a variety of plants in their habitats
find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival (water, food and air)
Lower KS2 Science
recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things
KS1 Geography
key physical features, including: beach, cliff, coast, forest, hill, mountain, sea, ocean, river, soil, valley, vegetation, season and weather
use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language
for example, near and far, left and right, to describe the location of features and routes on a map
KS1 PSHE
to listen to other people, and play and work cooperatively
meet and talk with people
develop relationships through work and play
KS2 PHSE
that their actions affect themselves and others, to care about other people's feelings and to try to see things from their points of view
meet and talk with people – for example, people who work in the neighbourhood
develop relationships through work and play
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at Irchester Country Park and East Carlton Country Park £5.50 per child
English (spoken language years 1 to 6)
listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers
ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others
maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations, staying on topic and initiating and responding to comments
use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining and exploring ideas
KS1 Mathematics
solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
KS1 PSHE
to listen to other people, and play and work cooperatively
meet and talk with people
develop relationships through work and play
KS2 PSHE
that their actions affect themselves and others, to care about other people's feelings and to try to see things from their points of view
meet and talk with people – for example, people who work in the neighbourhood
develop relationships through work and play
Half day session, suitable for KS2, available at Sywell Country Park, £8 per child
KS1 Geography
use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical and human features
use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features
use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of (a local environment) and the key human and physical features
KS1 Science
identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including water and rock
KS1 History
significant historical places in their own locality
KS2 History
a study over time tracing how several aspects of national history are reflected in the locality
Lower KS2 Science
describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock
recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter
identify the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle and associate the rate of evaporation with temperature
Upper KS2 Science
use knowledge of solids, liquids and gases to decide how mixtures might be separated, including through filtering, sieving and evaporating
identify the effects of water resistance
recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago
Half day session, suitable for primary, available at all parks, £5.50 per child
KS1 Science
ask simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways
observe closely
identify and classify
use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including trees
identify and name a variety of common wild plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees
distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made
observe changes across the four seasons
identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including micro-habitats
describe how animals obtain their food from plants
Lower KS2 Science
ask relevant questions
make systematic and careful observations
identify differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
gather, record, classify
recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers
explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and room to grow) and how they vary from plant to plant
investigate the way in which water is transported within plants
explore the part that flowers play in the life cycle of flowering plants, including pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal.
recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things
Upper KS2 Science
describe the life process of reproduction in some plants
describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms and plants
Our Ranger-led outdoor environmental activities are intended to be great fun as well as a great learning experience.
Our aim is to help people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds participate in enjoyable hands on activities that:
increase enjoyment, understanding and care for the country parks and the wider natural environment
foster an awareness of sustainability through the study of habitats, plants and animals, their life processes, ecosystems and of how our own actions affect the environment in which we live
support the national curriculum and encourage participation in extra-curricular activities and extended services
encourage healthy outdoor activity
However, to help keep your group completely safe from the hazards posed by the natural world, please make sure that you have prepared your group using the simple precautions below. We will reinforce these messages on the day of your visit.
Please ensure your group comes prepared with closing suitable for the activity, weather and terrain they are likely to encounter
Please ensure you have made suitable First Aid provision for your group
Please advise us of any special needs of individuals in your group
Your group will be encouraged to touch plants, soil and even certain creatures; however we ask that they should not eat or drink anything other than their own packed lunch unless given to them by a Ranger
To guard against water-borne diseases such as Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), it is recommended that you check if anyone in your group has an open cut on the hand or forearm as they will not be allowed direct physical contact with the pond / river water - you may wish to cover any other minor closed scratches with waterproof plasters or latex gloves before the activity
There is always the risk that children will encounter stinging or biting insects so please be aware of any particular allergies in your group
Please ask your group not to pet dogs at the park and to be aware that there may be animal droppings around (including dogs)
Please ensure that your group wash their hands with soap and water after the activities (especially before eating or drinking) - there are toilets at the parks but you may wish to bring your own wipes
If anyone develops flu-like symptoms within two weeks of a water-based activity, their doctor should be advised that the person has been in contact with pond / river water
We are confident that if these simple precautions are followed there will be no significant risk to your group from these hugely beneficial activities.
Youth, adults and corporate groups
You can take part in various activities at our country parks and woodlands, including ranger-led sessions in our private Wild Zones and corporate volunteering opportunities.
We can work with you to create a tailored session, either by adapting one of our existing activities, designing something entirely new, or simply providing a unique location for your regular group sessions.
Bespoke adult activities
If you work with people with long-term health conditions or another group of people who would benefit from getting out and about in our parks please get in touch. As well as our public activity sessions we are able to work with you to provide bespoke activities in the parks that would meet the needs of your groups.
Working with you we can modify one of our established sessions, create something completely new or even just be a new place to host one of your normal group sessions.