Planted over twenty years ago by brothers Lindsay and Edward Heyes, the fun of the aMazing Hedge Puzzle has made it Herefordshire's most popular private tourist attraction.
Early Years (2-4)
Early Years (2-4)
In recent years there has been a cultural shift in our society that has reduced the access and use of outdoors for many young children.
A number of factors are blamed, including increased fear amongst adults in relation to children’s safety, anxieties about the threat of abduction, and technological advances leading to an overwhelming prominence of more sedentary indoor activities, such as television and computer games. However, the developmental needs of young children have remained constant and the outdoor environment continues to be essential to their health, development and well-being. Therefore, regular opportunities for sustained periods of play in a rich and stimulating outdoor environment offer a wide range of benefits to babies, toddlers and young children.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum, which covers children aged birth to the end of the Reception year, became statutory in September 2008 and places strong emphasis on the importance and value of daily outdoor experiences for children’s learning and development.
Learning outside the classroom supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being. It gives them contact with the natural world and offers them experiences that are unique to outdoors, such as direct contact with the weather and the seasons. Outdoor play also supports children’s problem-solving skills and nurtures their creativity, as well as providing rich opportunities for their developing imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness.
And, of course, the outdoor environment offers more space than indoors and therefore is particularly important to those children who learn best through active movement. For many children, playing outdoors at their early years setting may be the only opportunity they have to play safely and freely while they learn to assess risk and develop the skills to manage new situations.
While many of these experiences will take place on-site, outdoor learning may also take place within the local community, for example a walk to the bakery, or past the building site on the way to the park. These off-site ‘expeditions’ offer both children and adults a catalyst for play and conversations. Ultimately, play and learning that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors make the most efficient use of resources and build on interests and enthusiasms. Forest Schools are growing in popularity across the UK and are increasingly offered as part of the early years curriculum in schools and settings.
Finally, parental involvement in children’s learning is particularly important in the early years as parents and carers are the child’s first educators. Early years settings, including children’s centres, are increasingly involving parents in developing and using their outdoor areas and in supporting other outdoor learning opportunities.
Suitable Venues
Far from the sea, but still a great view
Mariners Hill is much enjoyed by local people and dog walkers, who value its tranquil walks and excellent panoramic views of the Weald.
In a narrow tree-lined valley just north of Lydney in Gloucestershire lies the Dean Forest Railway. Run almost entirely by volunteers it offers visitors the chance to soak up the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch railway operated by steam trains – and the occasional heritage diesel.
Magnificent Edwardian gardens flowing from grand vistas to intimate spaces overlooked by a large mansion
Dyffryn Gardens are an exceptional example of Edwardian garden design. Covering more than 55 acres they feature a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms including a rose garden, Pompeian garden and several ponds.
The centre, with its dedicated classroom, is a great base for exploring the wonderful heath and woodland of Witley and Milford Commons. It has all the facilities you will need, including a fire circle, dipping ponds and den building area. There are toilets and large sinks for washing little hands, and parking for coaches.
ACTIVITIES:
At SEA LIFE Mooloolaba you and your students will experience:
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A wide range of interactive and educational programs to suit your students, your time and your budget.
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Our amazing interactive touch pool, enthralling talks and feeds, and highly entertaining seal presentations.
Superb subtropical garden, with special interest for families
Lose yourself in the three valleys of Glendurgan Garden - full of fun, natural beauty and amazing plants.
Discover giant rhubarb plants in the jungle-like lower valley and spiky arid plants basking in the sunny upper slopes.
Discover secluded creeks on this walk following the River Dart
Crownley Wood is a small area of delightful woodland that has been left to develop and flourish naturally with little management.
Sessil oak, Ash, Beech, Sweet and Horse Chestnut and Sycamore are all to be found here.There's a circular walk through the woodland, taking in views across to Tuckenhay and Bow Creek a tributary of the River Dart.
A beautiful woodland garden and a fun place to be
Set in a tranquil secret valley this hidden woodland garden with a rich industrial past is full of surprises.
Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, then swathes of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, followed by hydrangeas and the summer wildflowers.
One of the Isle of Wight's favourite beaches and biggest expanses of open downland
Compton Bay and Downs are at the the heart of the much loved open landscape of the south west of the Isle of Wight. It has all the elements of a great day out in the countryside. There is plenty of space for families, surfing and other non-motorised water sports and a part of the beach open to dog walkers all year round.
Paths wind through ancient oak woodland with sunny glades
Borthwood Copse is a delightful spot to wander amongst ancient oak and beech trees, sunny glades and chestnut and hazel coppice. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel as it scurries through the upper branches in search of food.
Get onto the coast whatever the season.
Two of the best beaches on the lovely Roseland peninsula, with fine stretches of sand and rock pools, they're both popular families beaches. Walk along the coast and inland to discover the rich wildlife around; it's a butterfly and bird watchers paradise.
You can also discover about the rich history, from the Bronze Age to the Cold War.
Interesting hillside garden with year-round features
Charming Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate that was owned by Frederic Lubbock, becoming both a plantsman's passion and a much-loved family home.
The garden was laid out in the late 19th century, and was influenced by William Robinson. It contains many exotic and rare trees and shrubs from across the world.
From the world's first industrial city to 24-hour party capital, MOSI takes you on a journey through Manchester's heritage with sights, sounds and even smells! You can see what it was like to work in a cotton mill during one of our textile demonstrations, see one of the world's largest collections of working steam mill engines or even venture into a Victorian sewer.
An impressive flank of open downland
Chillerton Down and the land around Gatcombe village is a beautiful area of downland, farmed and wooded valleys hidden away in the middle of the Isle of Wight.
It is partly owned by the National Trust and partly protected by National Trust covenants to preserve the beauty of the landscape.
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