Booking Your School Visit
Booking Information
We lead full and half-day programmes throughout the year, subject to seasonal variation.
You can also call to book an assembly, loan box, or a talk/visit to your school or group.
Your day out at the Great Fen with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.
The Wildlife Trust aims to conserve and promote the natural environment for the benefit of wildlife, people and future generations. It is important that while studying our natural environment, the activities offered are those considered to be of value to teachers who need to fulfil National Curriculum requirements.
The information below is designed to ensure that you and your group have a great experience and gain maximum benefit from your day out with the Wildlife Trust. If you have any questions about your visit, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Adult and children ratio must be 1:8 (KS2+) and 1:5 (KS1).
Preparation of Children
Children should come dressed appropriately with long trousers, covered shoulders, sturdy footwear and hats if necessary; our sites can be very exposed in both hot and cold weather and often have nettles and thistles for the wildlife to feed on. Unsuitably clothed children will not be taken out with the group and only very wet weather halts proceedings.
Teachers should provide extra clothing in case of accidents (very rare!). If staying all day, everyone should bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinks in hot weather. Please inform Trust staff, in advance of your visit, of any mobility or allergy issues that may be relevant to the day.
Pleased ensure that all open cuts on hands are covered. This is a precaution against Weil's disease - a rare water-borne disease.
Please ensure all adults have a watch, as good timekeeping is essential.
Responsibilities
The Trust has a Child Welfare and Safety Policy in association with other Wildlife Trusts. It should be noted that while the Trust staff organise the activities for maximum educational value, it is considered that the senior teacher is in charge of the party. Therefore discipline throughout the day, especially at lunchtime and at departure, is the responsibility of the teacher in charge. However, disruptive pupils will be excluded from activities by Trust staff if necessary.
It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that all members of the group, including the school helpers are adequately insured. It is also the responsibility of the school to return all equipment as borrowed and a charge will be made for equipment lost or damaged.
Each Trust site has a risk assessment and evacuation procedure and each building has a Fire Risk Assessment. Risk Assessments are also available for each activity to be carried out. You may request to see these in advance when you return the booking confirmation pack.
Download the latest pricing policy here... 
Wildlife Trust pricing policy 2012-13.pdf
Download the latest spring/summer school visit information here... 
Great fen education Leaflet for spring edition_compressed.pdf
Download the generic risk assessment - Risk Assessment Classroom and Reserve.pdf
All activities are fully risk assessed and are delivered by highly enthusiastic and skilled staff and volunteers with experience of teaching children in the outdoor environment. Photographic consent is sought for each group on booking.
To Book
For bookings and to arrange a preliminary visit to discuss health and safety, programme content, your visit and organisation of the day please contact the Great Fen team. We do advise a preliminary visit so that you can meet the staff and have a quick tour of the facilities and reserve and we will endeavour to tailor the day to your requirements. Please telephone 01487 710420 or email info@greatfen.org.uk
