Feature
School visits to RSPB nature reserves
A whole host of hands-on learning experiences await school groups at our reserves. Find out more.
On this page
Our RSPB reserves are wonderful wild spaces, full of opportunities for hands-on learning. That’s why we created our Schools on Reserves (SoR) programme – to give school pupils a chance to experience nature up close, while helping teachers meet their curriculum needs.
As part of SoR, a number of our RSPB nature reserves offer bookable outdoor education sessions for pupils of different ages and learning stages. On this page, you’ll find out more information about the programme, a list of the reserves involved and the sessions they offer, as well as information on pricing and guidelines for teachers.
Why do a Schools on Reserves visit?
Outdoor learning provides an opportunity for children to use knowledge they have learnt in the classroom in a practical context. This can encourage a deeper understanding and can make what can sometimes seem quite abstract concepts come to life.
Teachers often comment on how valuable it is for children to see these things for themselves. Across the country we meet lots of children who have very limited experience of the natural world. Our learning sessions provide unique encounters, allowing visiting pupils to be immersed in habitats and this can be very exciting.
Studies show that learning outdoors builds children’s confidence and encourages the use of different learning styles, which are more easily accessed in a non-classroom environment.
When young people make a connection with nature, whether a pond invertebrate or habitat, the excitement is tangible. It awakens curiosity and energises them to ask questions and find out more. It also allows them to explore further and delve deeper into topics such as food chains or adaptations in nature.
In September 2023, most of our Schools on Reserves Sites were awarded the Council for Leaning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. This external assessment recognises our commitment to high quality, safe visits for school groups in England, Wales and Scotland.
We’re proud to be inspiring the next generation of nature lovers through the SoR programme, as well as our other educational work. To find out more about our support for schools and educational organisations, visit our Education and inspiring the next generation page.
What can you expect from Schools on Reserves?
Our dedicated Education Teams across the regions and countries have a suite of sessions that encourage discovery, exploration and hands-on learning. We ensure that the visit is fun, informative and well connected to the habitats on each site. Ranging from woodland to coastal and wetland sites, each experience is unique.
The nature-based suite of sessions on offer are all curriculum linked, primarily to Science and Geography. Sessions for early years and primary are available at all sites, with some also offering sessions for secondary students as well as SEND pupils.
Educational visits can benefit SEND pupils - the visual and sensory experiences available can deepen their understanding of topics, helping them to engage with people and activities outside the classroom.
Schools on Reserves pricing
Early Years & Primary
Half day, cost per pupil: £4
Full day, cost per pupil: £6.50
Minimum half-day charge: £80
Minimum full-day charge: £130
Secondary
Half day, cost per pupil: £5
Full day, cost per pupil: £8
Minimum half-day charge: £100
Minimum full-day charge: £160
A level/advanced Higher
Half day, cost per pupil: £6
Full day, cost per pupil: £10
Minimum half-day charge: £100
Minimum full-day charge: £160
Which reserves are involved and what do they offer?
Bempton Cliffs
North Yorkshire, YO15 1JF
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
Key Stage 2
- Discovering Birds
- Investigating Coasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
Conwy
North Wales, LL31 9XZ
Foundation Phase
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
- Science Ecological Investigations and Sampling
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/Science Managing for Water Quality
- GCSE Biology/Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
- Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Sampling
- A Level Geography Ecosystems Fieldwork
Dungeness
Kent, TN29 9PN
Key Stage 1 and 2
- Pond dipping and lifecycles
- Minibeasts and Habitats
Dearne Valley Old Moor
South Yorkshire, S73 0YF
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
Fairburn Ings
West Yorkshire, WF10 2BH
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
Fairhaven Lake
Lancashire, FY8 1BD
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Discovering Mud Minibeasts
- Going to the Seaside
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Investigating Coasts
- Mud Habitat Study
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
Leighton Moss
Lancashire, LA5 0SW
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
- Rocks and Soils
Key Stage 3
- Science Ecological Investigations and Sampling
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
Minsmere
Suffolk, IP17 3BY
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
- Going to the Seaside
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
- Rocks and Soils
- Investigating Coasts
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
- Science Ecological Investigations and Sampling
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/Science Managing for Water Quality
- GCSE Biology/Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
- GCSE Geography Ecosystems Fieldwork
- GCSE Coastal Ecosystems and Physical Processes
Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Human Impact
- A Level Biology Sampling Biodiversity
- A Level Biology Succession
- A Level Geography Coasts
- A Level Geography Ecosystems and Sustainability
Newport Wetlands
Newport, South Wales, NP18 2BZ
Foundation Phase/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
- Science Ecological Investigations and Sampling
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/Science Managing for Water Quality
- GCSE Biology/Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
- GCSE Geography Ecosystems Fieldwork
Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Sampling Biodiversity
- A Level Geography Ecosystems and Sustainability
Pagham Harbour and Medmerry
West Sussex, PO20 7NE
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
- Discovering Mud Minibeasts
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Pond or Saltmarsh Habitat Study
- Discovering Birds
- Investigating Coasts
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
- Science Ecological Investigations and Sampling
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
- GCSE Geography Ecosystems Fieldwork
- GCSE Geography Coastal Ecosystems and Physical Processes
Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Succession
- A Level Geography Coasts
Pulborough Brooks
West Sussex, RH20 2EL
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
- Investigating Rivers
- Rocks and soils
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
- Science Ecological Investigations and Sampling
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/Science Managing for Water Quality
- GCSE Biology/Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Sampling Biodiversity
- A Level Biology Succession
Rainham Marshes
Essex, RM19 1SZ
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
- Investigating Rivers
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/ Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
- GCSE Geography Rivers and Flooding
Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Sampling Biodiversity
Rye Meads
Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
Key Stage 4
- GCSE Biology/ Science Ecological Fieldwork Techniques
- GCSE Geography Ecosystems Fieldwork
Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Sampling Biodiversity
Saltholme
Middlesborough, Cleveland, TS2 1TU
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
Key Stage 3
- Geography Fieldwork
- Science Ecological Investigations and Sampling
Key Stage 5
- A Level Biology Sampling Biodiversity
Sandwell Valley
Birmingham, B43 5AG
Early Years/Key Stage 1
- Brilliant Birds
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
- Seasonal Sensory Walk
- Plant Detectives
Key Stage 2
- Investigating Minibeasts
- Living Things and their Habitats
- Discovering Birds
- Pond Habitat Study
- Investigating Rivers
- Rocks and Soils
Strumpshaw Fen
Norfolk, NR13 4HS
Key Stage 1 and 2
- Discovering Land Minibeasts
- Discovering Pond Minibeasts
Session outlines
You can find outlines of all our sessions available to download here.
Guidelines for teachers
Our guide is full of useful information designed to help your school group get the most out of your visit.
Risk assessment
Please complete this form and share with all attending staff prior to your visit.
RSPB safeguarding policy
As an organisation that works with children and vulnerable adults, the RSPB acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We are committed to ensuring our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and regulatory requirements wherever we operate as a charity.
Interested in visiting a reserve?
You can enquire about a visit here.