What we offer
We support learning through hands-on, interactive activities that foster curiosity, connection and care for the Forest. We have a dedicated education and youth team which can meet your school or group for an inspiring experience in your setting or in the New Forest.
Activities in the New Forest National Park:
Our activities take place in the protected landscapes of the New Forest National Park, including ancient woodland, unique coastline, internationally significant heathland and freshwater habitats.
We have a selection of locations we can use depending on the requirements of your group. We also organise the permissions, so from planning, to pre-visit, to trip, you are supported along the way.
Below are descriptions of our most popular sessions, which can be tailored to your group. To find out more or to book, please email: education@newforestnpa.gov.uk
We also offer a range of youth activities which can be found here on our Young people webpage.
Find out about what makes the New Forest so special. Learn about its commoning heritage and the mosaic of habitats home to a myriad of wildlife. How is this special place protected?
Location:
Bolderwood, Whitefield Moor or Anderwood.
Suitable for:
- KS1, KS2 and KS3.
- Maximum 50 participants (including adults).
- Free to under 18s.
A river experience starting from its source, with fieldwork techniques.
Location:
Whitefield Moor
Suitable for:
- KS2 and KS3.
- Maximum 50 participants (including adults).
- Free to under 18s.
A coastal experience following the journey of beach material from cliff to spit, looking at coastal erosion, coastal management and coastal landforms.
Location:
Milford-on-Sea
Suitable for:
- KS2 and KS3.
- Maximum 50 participants (including adults).
- Free to under 18s.
Slow down and ‘be’ in nature, using a selection of nature connection activities to be curious and discover the natural world at a deeper level.
Suitable for:
- Maximum 15 participants (minibus only)
- Free to under 18s.
Activities in your setting:
We offer a range of sessions for local schools and groups including assemblies, pre visits or follow-up visits. All sessions come with a variety of resources that bring the New Forest, its habitats and special qualities to life in your setting.
Start with a poem about litter and then break up into a carousel of linked activities. Assembly 15 minutes plus answering questions.
Session:
Approximately 30 minutes.
Suitable for:
KS1 and KS2.
Watch the ‘Climate Champions’ video and decide what habitat is the best at storing carbon. Spend time looking at each habitat through a variety of interactive activities. What can you do to help.
Session:
Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
Suitable for:
KS1 and KS2.
Watch ‘Welly Wander’ on her first exploration in the New Forest. Look at the New Forest code and find out what roles there are to look after the Forest. What are the impacts and how can we manage them? Design a poster to help look after the New Forest. The video length is 10 minutes, plus answering questions.
Session:
Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
Suitable for:
KS1 and KS2.
Find out about the mosaic of habitats in the New Forest. Use the nature trunk to explore hands-on resources, such as animal furs and bones, to bring the session to life.
Session:
Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
Suitable for:
KS1 and KS2.
Watch a short film about ground nesting birds. Find out where they live and the adaptations the have to survive.
Session:
Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
Suitable for:
KS1 and KS2.
Find out about the range of green careers there are. Available for career talks, workshops and fairs, or through joining our work experience programme.
Suitable for:
KS2, KS3, KS4 and KS5
Free for under 18s.
Available year-round to all schools within the New Forest District Council area outside of the National Park. Find out about the National Park and the special qualities, habitats and wildlife of the New Forest, before learning about the threats it faces, the role of a ranger, the New Forest code, and how everyone can play their part in enjoying and protecting this amazing place.
Session:
Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
Suitable for:
KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4.
To book or find out more, email: jim.day@newforestnpa.gov.uk