1. Outdoor Learning for Schools Infant & Primary (EYFS), Key Stages 1 & 2
Essex Wildlife Trust
Outdoor Learning for Schools
Infant & Primary (EYFS), Key Stages 1 & 2
Field Visits to Visitor Centres and
Nature Reserve
Chafford Gorges Nature Park is set in a spectacular position overlooking Warren Gorge.  Chafford Gorges Nature Park offers 200 acres of green space for wildlife.  The visitor Centre offers a well-stocked gift shop, information, toilets and a wonderful terrace at the back. All activities are fully risk assessed and all equipment and identification keys are provided for each activity.
Examples of activities available include:
Habitats
Woodland, meadow, hedgerows and ponds to mention just a few. Understand what a habitat is, why habitats are important for wildlife. Explore habitats using resources and equipment to discover the wildlife each habitat supports.
Natures Detectives
Study a habitat to identify all signs of wildlife. Take part in activities to discover how everything is interconnected and working together to maintain a natural balance.
Pond Life
Explore the freshwater habitat using nets and other equipment to survey the pond for life
Mini-beasts/ Terrestrial Invertebrates
Investigate grassland, hedgerows and under logs to explore the lives of a wide range of mini-beasts such as worms, butterflies, woodlice and grasshoppers. Identify mini beasts.
Education & Community Officer
Andrew Sidders
Chafford Gorges Nature Park,
Drake Rd,
Chafford Hundred,
Thurrock,
Essex,
Rm16 6RG
Tel:
Fax:
Plants
Discover the range of different plants on the nature reserve. Take a close look at the bark, leaves and seeds of trees. Use a range of games and activities to understand what plants need to grow
Rocks and Soils
Explore the composition and properties of different soils and find out what
life soil supports. Compare different soil types and how rocks and soils can
tell us a lot about the past. Discuss the importance of rocks and soils to people
and wildlife.

2. £6 donation per child EYFS, Year 1 – 6 Infant and primary schools
Bush craft
Explore a range of survival skills. Discuss the importance of shelter, food and water. In teams create a shelter using a range of materials. Tie knots and test the shelters for strength, ensuring they are fit for purpose. Whittle green sticks using potato peelers and learn about the importance and safety precautions of having a fire.
School Field Visits to Chafford Gorges Visitor Centres and Nature Reserves
£6 donation per child EYFS, Year 1 – 6 Infant and primary schools
£8 donation per child, Year 7 – 11 – secondary schools
£10.00 donation per student Year 12 – Further Education
There is no requested donation for teachers and accompanying adults. Most sites can accommodate up to 3 classes (90 pupils) per day.
A minimum donation of £50 half day and £100 full day is requested to secure a booking for a field visit along with a completed booking form.
The donation balance (total number of pupils on the day minus the deposit) can be paid on the day by cheque or credit/debit card or alternatively an invoice will be sent to the school, to be paid within 28 days.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of cancellation by the school the deposit is returnable if the booking is cancelled more than 8 weeks in advance of the visit date. The deposit is non-returnable if the booking is cancelled less than 8 weeks in advance of the booking. The deposit may however be transferrable to another date within 6-8 weeks before the confirmed date, subject to availability.
Please note May – July is our peak period for school visits to our site, availability is limited so please book early to avoid disappointment and ensure any necessary transport is confirmed in advance.
Please remember there is a well stocked gift shop at the Visitor Centre and that all profits from each purchase made goes straight to Essex Wildlife Trust.
This enables the Trust to run and improve our important educational work which benefits our children and wildlife. There is the opportunity for the children to shop during their visit to the nature reserve, or for those schools on a tighter schedule, we offer GOODIE BAGS,