Opening Times

Open for school visits during normal term times, when closed to the public

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

A school visit to the British Wildlife Centre can help bring to life your classroom teaching on science, wildlife and the environment.

The British Wildlife Centre offers a unique opportunity for school children to learn more about our native wildlife in a safe, quiet environment.

Our education programmes are designed to complement and inspire classroom learning on a variety of national curriculum science topics and skills. They also explore links with units in history and geography - telling the whole story of Britain’s wildlife. All encourage a greater awareness of the natural world, show how we fit into it and emphasise the need to care for our environment. Each visit is carefully targeted at the appropriate age group and consists of a combination of audio-visual presentations and keeper guided tours of the animals.

It’s an opportunity to see many fascinating wild animals and birds, many rarely seen in the wild, including hedgehogs & weasels, badgers, otters & foxes, mice & voles, Scottish wildcats, owls and many more. The children will learn more about wildlife habitats, the countryside and their local area and the survival challenges faced by wildlife in Britain today.

All school visits are led throughout the day by our own experienced keepers. The Centre is not be open to the public during your visit, ensuring a safe and inspiring learning experience while you are with us.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

See above

What are the activities?

See above

What is the age range of the activities?

Infants to college students. Each visit will be targeted to the appropriate age group.

Sample programme of the activities:

See above

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Up to 90 school children. 1 Teacher is free per 8 children.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Yes. There is a downloadable risk assessment doc on our website and teachers may make a pre-visit to the Centre.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

The Coffee Shop is closed though tea and coffee is available for teachers. The Gift Shop is available for the children if requested by the teacher.

Is specific clothing required?

As a mainly outdoor attraction warm, comfortable clothing and shoes are advisable, plus waterproof outerwear for wet conditions.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

Only if they are to be used for commercial purposes.