Opening Times

Visitor Centre open 10 - 2 weekdays, 12 - 5 weekends.
School visits usually run 10 - 2.30, times are flexible.

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

The education team are very flexible in what they offer for schools and will adapt packages to suit your requirements. The Centre offers a chance to get out into the beautiful Gateshead countryside which is just 4 miles from the Metrocentre!

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

Topics can be tailored to fit teacher requirements

What are the activities?

Nature Detectives, Pond Dipping, Minibeast Study
Webs, Decay and Natural Cycles
River Study
Red Kite Safari
Discovery Trail
Camouflage and Colour
Art and Nature
British Woodland and the Rainforest
Growth
Human Impact on the Countryside
Orienteering Trail

What is the age range of the activities?

We have a range of activities to suit all ages

Sample programme of the activities:

A Typical KS1 Day.
Morning Session.
Nature Detectives .
The children will learn about the woodland habitat, visit the bird observation hide and carry out a range of activities in a woodland setting.

Afternoon Session.
Camouflage and Colour
The children will learn about camouflage and carry out the ‘What Can You See’ activity. They will finish this session by making a colour card to take back to school.

A Typical KS2 Day.
Morning Session.
Nature Detectives including Pond Dipping.
The children will learn about the woodland habitat, visit the bird observation hide and carry out a pond dipping session.

Afternoon Session.
Discovery Trail.
After a brief introduction the children will normally work in pairs to complete the Discovery Trail.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

All materials are provided, just dress for mess!

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

Maximum group size is 35, we can only provide 1 member of staff so groups need to provide appropriate adult to child ratios

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We have a generic risk assesment for a school visit which we can provide

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes

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

The visitor centre is used for groups to have lunch etc. We also have a picnic area and a small souvenir shop

Is specific clothing required?

All activities are outdoors so clothing appropriate to the time of year.

Do you have first aid on site?

Groups need to provide their own first aid.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

no

Additional information.

Full information is avaliable via the Gateshead Council website http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/countryside/education/education.aspx