Learning Sessions at the London Wetland Centre

The WWT London Wetland Centre (LWC), one of nine Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centres across the UK, is a spectacular 105 acre nature reserve in Barnes that was built on the site of disused Victorian reservoirs.

LWC offers school groups unique outdoor learning opportunities and exciting encounters with London’s wildlife, such as the ‘Great Pond Safari’ – a hands-on pond dipping session that gives children the chance to roll up their sleeves and see wonderful pond creatures up close. The Centre is also a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge holder, which means that sessions are led by experienced, enthusiastic staff, and teachers as well as pupils can always expect professional, friendly and helpful service.

The learning sessions offered are suitable for all ages and levels, and all of the sessions are all linked to the National Curriculum. All of the teaching sessions can be adapted to reflect your classes’ learning objectives – all you need to do is ask and the team will be happy to help create a programme for you.    Free risk assessments and learning resources, as well as Primary and Secondary Teacher’s Packs, are available to download from the website at www.wwt.org.uk/london/schools, and the Centre also provides free bag storage, binocular hire and covered lunch areas if they are needed.

Unfortunately, the funding which has allowed the Centre to offer free school visits to state schools within the London boroughs for the last seven years, to the benefit of over 90,000 children, will be coming to an end in the summer term but state schools can still visit free until 31 July 2011.   For more information, call 0208 4094419 or email education.london@wwt.org.uk.

The Centre will still be offering a full Education programme come the Autumn and they believe that outdoor learning should still be an essential part of school life to help children understand the importance of the natural environment.   School groups will also still qualify for a reduced entrance rate.

Picture credited to Catherine Starling