Opening Times

No specific times, bookings need to be made with us at Medway Valley Countryside Partnership (MVCP)

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

It is considered to be one of the more important sections of the Medway river flood plain in terms of wildlife value and is designated as a Local Wildlife Site. The site is important both nationally and locally, and supports a large number of protected species. Grazing of the grassland and meadows significantly improves the habitat for plants, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, bats and birds; the study of all of which offer rich educational opportunities.

Medway Valley Countryside Partnership manages Yalding Fen and has been hosting education sessions and running countryside events for over 20 years. We believe in providing an informal and fun experience for everyone. We have experience in numerous training days and events from Key Stage 1 to university level students.

What are the activities?

Pond dipping, bug hunting, wildlife walks
bird watching , reptile surveys, flora surveys.

What is the age range of the activities?

All ages from primary school through to undergraduate.

Sample programme of the activities:

The events can be tailored to the size, age range and wishes of the individual group. For smaller children there is pond dipping and bug hunting, for older groups bird watching, ecological surveying techniques, discussions on biodiversity, ecology and the management of protected landscapes can all be covered. The site has grazing animals and a traditional orchard, so links well to the rural economy, the localism agenda and the issues faced by land managers.

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

We provide all survey equipment. Suitable foot wear (wellies) wet weather clothing or sun hats and insect repellent are all recommended.

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

In order for the event to be as enjoyable as possible, a maximum of 15 children on any one activity can be accepted at any one time. Each group of children must be accompanied by at least one adult from the school and one MVCP staff member. Larger groups may be split amongst more than member of MVCP staff so that each group will do each activity in turn. If you would like to discuss options for smaller groups or longer visits please contact MVCP

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We have existing risk assessments for all the activities offered.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

If required yes.

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

Covered education area and toilet. No refreshments provided.

Is specific clothing required?

Wellies, hats, warm clothing for winter.

Do you have first aid on site?

No but all MVCP staff are first aid trained and we provide first aid kits.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

None.

Additional information.

• We cannot guarantee to see creatures, but will do our very best to do so.

• Night time walks (specifically for bats and moths) are available on request. Even in late summer though, these will not normally start before 8.00 p.m.

• There is ample parking on site, a covered teaching area and portable toilets.

• Bookings are only available Monday to Friday.

• All survey equipment, nets, trays, binoculars etc. will be provided.

• MVCP will provide activity sheets and packs tailored to the age of the children (ask us for examples).