The heart of the property is the formal walled garden originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton. In the 1950s, the Trust set about re-creating the gardens following designs dating from the 17th century.
Science
Science
The teaching and learning of science can take many forms due to the large number of branches of the discipline, but all of them involve a large element of doing things, of experimenting, of making and breaking, of trying out new ideas, whether at primary or secondary level. This has been appreciated by museums and visitors centres, so that we now have a plethora of possibilities.
The Association for Science Education is the lead body helping schools to develop their teaching and learning. It offers support for primary and secondary science subject leaders, teachers and schools, and keeps schools abreast of curriculum and assessment changes and reforms. The Association aims to enrich science teaching and learning with free resources, which can be found at: www.schoolscience.co.uk
Some venues are obviously specifically suitable for science groups, but others, which are more cross-curricular, are less obvious. Below we give staff a pointer to these as well as making it easy to access the websites of the well known attractions.
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, has long been popular with British school groups. It is celebrating 60 years this year and is encouraging teachers to look at its Cern Education website.
CAT, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, is also celebrating a major birthday this year – its 40th. It is a very different experience from CERN, but fascinating nonetheless.
The announcement in April 2015 that the new SKA radiotelescope is to be built in the UK will also be a huge boost for scientists looking for projects to follow and then visit as the telescope is built in readiness for full operational capability in 2025.
We should draw your attention to the fact that farm visits are popular with primary schools and there is a growing number of farms offering excellent opportunities – from feeding animals to driving tanks. But there are some stringent health and safety rules to be observed. For advice and guidance please contact Handsam by calling 03332 070737 or emailing trips@handsam.co.uk.
Main organisations:
Association for Science Education
Membership through Handsam
Radiation Protection Officer services through Handsam
Inclusion: NASEN
Thought of visiting?
Centre for Alternative Technology
Michael Faraday Museum, London
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Techniquest (various locations in Wales including Cardiff, Wrexham and Pembrokeshire)
Venues for this Curriculum
Best known for its magnificent waterfall - the fifth highest in the UK - and uniquely dramatic scenery, Grey Mare's Tail is a superb example of a hanging valley. The area boasts a rich history as well, and is important for its rare upland plants and wildlife.
School visits can be arranged by contacting the Property Manager on 07713 786230.
The Hebridean island of Iona has a significant history and a special, spiritual atmosphere that continues to attract and inspire thousands of visitors each year.
School visits are welcome, with environmental activities led by the Mull and Iona Ranger Service. Prior booking is required.
Dollar Glen has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its range of wildlife habitats and important geological features.
The whole area is a haven for wildlife, and the scenery is spectacular. There are a selection of activities available to suit schools' needs, covering natural heritage, geology, cultural heritage and food and farming topics.
Kelmarsh Hall is a Grade I listed country house built in 1732. The Kelmarsh Estate is now in the care of a charitable trust, charged with maintaining it in perpetuity for the benefit of the nation. In 2004, Kelmarsh (Events) Limited was set up as a commercial arm of the business to support the Charitable Trust.
A small sanctuary for exotic animals and birds of prey
Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre is a small sanctuary for unwanted and mistreated exotic animals and birds of prey. Home to a wide variety of creatures including, Owls, Hawks, Snakes, Monkeys, Raccoons, Wild cats, Lizards, Fruit bats, Falcons, Terrapins and much more it's a great afternoon out for the family.
A Bird of Prey Centre with a collection of over 50 hawks, falcons and owls, including some babies! Daily flying displays and a Pets Corner with rabbits, guinea pigs, a donkey, a ferret, sheep and more, to meet and feed.
There is a diverse range of owls such as Boobook owls, African Spotted Eagle owls, and Tawny and Common Owls.
The most famous Scottish glen is also one of its most dramatic, with forbidding mountains, thundering waterfalls and sparkling lochs. Before you explore, find out more about the landscape, history and wildlife at the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre.
Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park
From the giant otter to polecats and free-roaming deer, there's something for all the family at the Chestnut Centre. In beautiful grounds of the Derbyshire Peak district, with a stream running through the valley, home to four species of otter, owls, pine martens, foxes, Scottish wildcats and sika.
Discover over 270 species...
Here are just some of the attractions here at Colchester Zoo:
One of the last few areas of wild land in Scotland, this rugged, remote estate in the West Highlands offers a true wilderness experience. The dramatic landscape encompasses the Five Sisters - a mountain ridge incorporating three Munros - and the Falls of Glomach, Britain's second-highest waterfall, as well as lochs, glens and coastline.
A great day out in Bristol, whatever the weather!
Enjoy an amazing world of animals, all within all within our spectacular, award-winning, 12-acre gardens. With over 400 species – including nine animal houses under cover – you can make the most of your visit, whatever the weather.
Mar Lodge Estate occupies nearly 7% of the Cairngorms National Park, covers some of the most remote and scenic wild land in Scotland, including four of the five highest mountains in the UK.
Go wild at Dudley Zoo!
Lions and tigers to snakes and spiders. Come face to face with lemurs as they roam in the trees. Watch amazing Birds of Prey, meet friends on the farm and look out for Ghosts in the Castle! Gift shop, restaurant, face painting and land train.
West Affric is a vast and remote expanse of wild land, ideally suited to adventurous walkers who want to get off the beaten track.
It is situated at the western end of Glen Affric - sometimes described as the most beautiful of all the Scottish glens.
Please contact the National Trust for Scotland Ranger Service to find about activities suitable for groups.
Five Sisters Zoo's mission is to:
Encourage conservation of endangered wildlife for both native and non-native species, and create a safe and natural environment for all animals in our collection.
Studley Grange is a great place for your students to learn about insects, animals and arts and crafts!
Butterfly World
Visit our Butterfly House in Wiltshire rain or shine.
You can walk among some of the most beautiful butterflies in the World, flying freely against a backdrop of tropical plants and skimming over fish filled ponds.
Near the banks of Loch Fyne, on the west coast, immerse yourself in Britain's finest example of an exotic Himalayan-style woodland garden.
Crarae Garden is a tranquil site, with its dramatic gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs. The informal hillside layout of mature woody plants radiating out from the burn creates a wonderful natural effect.
Set in over 28 acres of spectacular, sub tropical gardens within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park,has been giving great enjoyment to its customers for 27 years.
Coconut-scents, purple heather and intimate woodland walks
Coconut-scents, purple heather and intimate woodland walks
Marley Common in West Sussex, is a mixed broadleaf woodland and open heath. It's one of our oldest countryside acquisitions, having its centenary in 2011.
Nestling in the pretty Borders town of Melrose, with enviable views of majestic Melrose Abbey, is Harmony House and Garden.
The handsome Georgian villa looks out onto a beautifully tended garden of smart croquet lawns, colourful, scented flowerbeds, fruits and vegetables.
Why not spend a day at the bottom of the sea? Dive into the deep at Deep Sea World with our huge sharks, Stella our stingray, tropical fish and much much more! See the wonders of the deep with our fascinating Sand Tiger sharks, our conger eels and a myriad of marine life as you walk underwater through the UK’s longest underwater tunnel.
World-famous garden noted for its botanical collections
Marvel at plants from all over the world grown from seed and cuttings collected over a century ago on plant-hunting expeditions. Created by five generations of one family, this 32-hectare (80-acre) garden is superbly located, with spectacular views across Snowdonia.
Science Oxford's mission is: To encourage the pursuit of science and enterprise, with the long term vision of: Making connections between science, enterprise and society.
Science Oxford was founded in 1985 as The Oxford Trust by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood.
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