The Green Quay

The Wash is the largest estuary and the most important wetland site in the UK. The south east corner of the Wash forms the largest National Nature Reserve in England.

The Wash National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England offers a range of exciting outdoor learning opportunities for schools. It is the biggest reserve in England, covering over 8880 hectares and is one of England's last wildernesses, a place where you can enjoy true tranquility, as well as the excitement of some of England's great wildlife spectacles. Therefore, visits to the NNR will focus on the theme ‘Wild Wash'.

The aim of this theme at The Wash NNR is that an understanding of the ‘specialness' and ‘wildness' of the Wash would lead to a ‘ respect for The Wash and its wildlife' .

Schools

BIRD BEAKS (KS 1 & KS2) – Different adaptations - An opportunity to learn about our bird life, and why the Wash NNR is important to them. (Near Sutton Bridge)

BIRDS (KS2) – Bird anatomy and flight – Including field microscope work and an opportunity to make a special bird kite. (Near Sutton Bridge)

HIDDEN WASH (KS 1 & KS2) – What can be found under the waves? – Including beachcomber touch table and microscope work (plankton study) for Key Stage 2. Can be delivered at your school or at the Green Quay, Wash Discovery Centre.

COASTAL WILDLIFE – Learn about the wildlife that live in the Wash Estuary. (At Hunstanton)

COASTAL GEOLOGY – Hunstanton cliffs & fossil hunting (At Hunstanton)

THE STRANDLINE (KS1 & EARLY KS2) – What the tide left behind? – Including strandline hunt and Nature Prints - an opportunity to create your own unique photograph from natural objects found in the strandline. (Near Sutton Bridge)

WALK ON THE WILD WASH (KS2) – Our local heritage – Come on an adventure to another part of the Wash, where we will walk from the sea bank to the inner island trial bank at Terrington St Clement. Learn about how the Wash has developed into its current form due to land reclamation and why the salt marsh and mudflat's are important both to the wildlife and as a natural sea defence.

Visit the island and learn about its history and man's constant quest to tame the Wash and view the mudflats with its impressive creeks patterns from the top of the island. Lastly share your inspiration through photography, painting and poetry, which can be displayed at your school.