School visits
Our education objectives
Our aims are more than visitor enjoyment and we continue to work to further our educational objectives. Our mission is conservation through education and to emphasise its importance, our objectives are published here. We aim to:
- Inform and stimulate greater interest in Britain’s native wildlife and increase awareness of the need and means to
conserve it and its habitats. - Place public education at the heart of everything we do and make it a key part in every visitor’s experience.
- Develop facilities for schools and other educational organisations to conduct teaching and field studies.
- Advance our own knowledge of British wildlife and share this with both the public and the scientific community.
Bring your teaching to life!
With our collection of over forty different species of native wild animals and our team of knowledgeable keepers, the British Wildlife Centre offers the ideal venue to learn about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife.
The Centre will be closed to the public during your visit, though depending on your group size other pre-booked schools may be visiting.
School Visits: Reception to Year 7 - 'Animal Encounters'
Our ‘Animal Encounters’ schools programmes are designed to complement a variety of national curriculum skills and topics in science, history and geography for pupils at Key Stages 1, 2 & 3. These visits are based at the Centre with its collection of over forty different British wild animals and birds. This is a unique opportunity for children to learn about Britain’s wildlife – a real life natural history lesson! Our minimum school group size is 20 children, our maximum is 90. Dates in the spring and summer terms get booked up well in advance, so the earlier you can book, the better your chances of booking on your chosen date.
Prices
November – March: £7 per child, April – October: £8 per child
One teacher/adult helper free for every 8 children. Adults over this ratio will be charged at the child rate.
Please note: From September 2020 prices per child will increase by 50p and the high season rate will extend from March to October.
Animal Encounter Highlights
Pre-Visit
- Just call or email us to check availability of dates
- To complete online booking confirmation form
- Recce visit for teachers in advance (by arrangement)
- Visit risk assessment document available
On the Day
- The Centre will be closed to the public during your visit, ensuring a safe, inspiring and focused trip
- Each group has a dedicated keeper to escort them throughout the tour and provide
age-appropriate animal talks - One teacher free for every 8 children
- All breaks are taken in our shaded picnic area (if the weather is unsuitable we can accommodate your group in the Visitor Centre)
- Complementary tea/coffee for teachers at the mid morning break
- Free coach parking
How to book
Before completing a school visit booking form please contact us first to check availability and to make a provisional booking:
By Phone 01342 834658 (during office hours)
By Email info@britishwildlifecentre.co.uk
complete School Visit Booking Confirmation Form
Information to download:
School Visits Booklet – Animal Encounters
Risk Assessment – Animal Encounters
Our Animal Encounters school visits are suitable for Reception classes up to Year 7. Please note we do not take bookings for groups of younger children during school term time.
Secondary schools
Please contact us for details on cost, availability and to discuss your requirements.
Further education
View details of our fully guided tours for A-level, College and University students
