Nature based education at Wilder Doddington
We believe that everyone, young and old, should have the opportunity to discover and connect with nature. The closer we get to nature, the happier we are, the more worthwhile life seems, and the more we are willing to take action to help our wildlife and the environment.
Wilder Doddington is packed with a huge diversity of habitats across its 1900 acres and a range of livestock including Lincoln Red cattle, Mangalitsa pigs and Exmoor ponies.
Wilder Doddington offers a range of visits tailored to each school or group’s particular needs. Our primary programmes seek to inspire and create awe, delivering learning and at the same time building confidence and self-esteem. Secondary programmes provide a greater degree of learning support making full use of the resources at Wilder Doddington including its skilled team and partners.
Funding for school trips may be available allowing the widest range of groups to take advantage of these opportunities.
We will offer your students the opportunity to benefit from a connection to nature, create a sense of awe and wonder and bring the national curriculum alive through exploring Wilder Doddington’s magnificent landscape and wide range of wildlife.
Our school trips help to build confidence, skills and understanding of the natural world and are tailored to meet your requirements.
We will explore through the senses, seeking to appreciate the beauty, enabling students to celebrate and share the wonders of the natural world.
You will meet the animals which live here, (if you can find them). Groups will take part in a walking safari across the grasslands or woodlands of Doddington. We will explain about food and farming and how this works with nature recovery and how the spaces we have created are helping wildlife.
Students will have the opportunity to explore different plants, trees and mini beasts and look at how animals use the landscape to find food and build shelter.
All activities are adapted to fit with the age and abilities of the group as well as the school’s own area of study. We will focus our learning to meet your curriculum needs. The students learning will be complemented with creative activities to support and provide a varied learning experience.
All activities offered to primary pupils are linked to the national curriculum and delivered by qualified education staff. On a school visit you will experience two activities during the day. We offer:
When to visit
We welcome schools at any time of the year. Our Education Officer will work with you to design your day, we are happy to advise on the optimal time to ensure that you get the most from your visit.
How long is the visit?
Primary school visits are usually 10am to 2.30pm with session timings varying for secondary groups, but usually 9.30am to 4pm. Your day will be tailored to your school and students’ needs. For Young Wilders and Nature & Wonder groups, we always allow time for nature walks and activities with a short mid-morning break and a lunch break.
Accessibility
Wilder Doddington aims to make our educational facilities and activities as accessible as possible. When developing your school trip, we will be able to discuss individual school and student needs.
What to wear
When visiting Wilder Doddington ALL participants should wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
What to wear in the summer – long trousers, t-shirt, trainers / walking shoes, sun hat.
During the winter – long trousers, waterproof or splash suit, wellington boots or walking boots, hat, gloves and scarf.
To find out more information and to book your visit, please get in touch:
Would your community group like to learn about nature and how it can benefit wellbeing? Explore the Wilder Connections project with your community.
We offer groups a variety of engaging activities. Guided walks and talks, creative and meditation workshops and more.
Our Wilder Rangers and staff will inspire and connect your community to nature for wellbeing and learning. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please get in touch:
Engagement & Learning Lead – Helena Mair
01522 243399 / helena@doddingtonhall.com
