Opening Times

Open 7 days a week, except 25 December
Summer opening times 9.30am to 6pm (last admission 5pm)
Winter opening times 9.30am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Our 105 acre site offers unique opportunities to experience wildlife and the natural world in an urban setting. Pupils are encouraged to discover nature up close, with our Explainers on hand to help them find out more. Pupils may catch their first newt during a pond dipping session or catch a glimpse of a rare and elusive water vole as they explore the site. The wildlife on show changes with the seasons so there is always something different to discover.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

All sessions are linked to the National Curriculum and our Teacher Explainers can tailor sessions to fit in with specific learning objectives and special educational needs. Active learning experiences gained whilst exploring our site stick in the memory and support classroom work.

What are the activities?

Teachers can choose from a range of learning sessions including pond dipping, minibeast safaris, rocks and soils, conservation, biodiversity, ecology, guided bird spotting and nature walks. Visit our website for details. Our Discovery Centre and Explore adventure area combine free play with opportunities to learn about wetlands and the creatures that depend on them.

What is the age range of the activities?

Learning sessions: Early years, Primary, Secondary and Post 16 including PGCE students
Explore adventure area: 3- 11 year olds only

Sample programme of the activities:

1015 Met by volunteer on arrival and shown to bag storage area
1030 Watch introductory film
1050 Visit Discovery Centre and explore World Wetlands exhibits
1130 Minibeast Safari learning session
1230 Lunch
1330 Explore - adventure playground
1400 Self guided walk through wild reserve using downloadable bird and minibeast spotter sheets to enrich learning
1430 Leave to travel back to school

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

Self guided trails and spotter sheets are available to download from the downloads section of our website. Lesson plans and additional learning resources are available at www.wwt.org.uk/learn

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Minimum group size for a learning session is 12, maximum is 30.

Free adult to pupil ratios:
1:3 Early years
1:5 Primary age
1:10 Secondary age

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Our risk assessment is available to download from our website. Teachers can complete their own risk assessment during a free preview visit.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes. Teachers are encouraged to come for a free preview visit to help plan their trip. We also run “Introduction to Outdoor Learning” sessions for trainee teachers.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

Our shop and café are available to school groups. A maximum of 10 pupils are allowed in each area at a time and children must always be adequately supervised. Why not consider pre-ordering items from the shop for collection on the day? See our website for details.

Is specific clothing required?

No, but weather appropriate clothing is advisable.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes, our Duty First Aider is on call to support teachers with any first aid incidents. Teachers are advised to bring medication for existing conditions with them.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

Hand held equipment for personal use is fine. Any other usage must be agreed in advance.