Conservation: general activities

We can make any session as formal or informal as you wish, please discuss details with us.

Pond dipping

The children will 'dip the pond' and use keys, books & worksheets to try and identify and record the creatures they find. If you would like a more 'in depth' session we could compare different areas and/or depths of the pond. We are happy to use your school pond but there will be limitations on numbers and dipping time depending on pond size.

Alternatively, you could join us at Funges Meadow Nature Reserve near The Rye in High Wycombe and dip in our purpose built wildlife pond.

Time of year: April - July

Follow up activities:

• Look at how the creatures breathe/move and compare to land based creatures.
• Use charts and tables to compare results.
• Art based activities based on their findings

For more information or to learn more about ponds and their inhabitants visit Pond Conservation (See link below).

Minibeast hunt

 This is a simplified version of the more formal 'Habitats' session. Children explore the habitat (long grass, hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and attempt to find a variety of minibeasts and record their findings on the sheets provided. The sheets provide visual cues to the identity of the creatures and books and keys will be available to help with the identification. Most school grounds will have suitable areas but we have some great sites in and around High Wycombe, Marlow and Princes Risborough that are walking distance from many schools and usually offer a wider variety of species.

Time of year: April to July

Follow up activities:

• Research some of the creatures found: what they eat, where they live, how they are adapted to their environment.
• Use tables and charts to compare quantity of creatures and their locations.
• Art based activities based on their findings

For more information or to learn more about minibeasts visit Buglife (See link below).

Bird box building

Pupils work in teams or pairs to put together kit boxes that we provide. They could be bird or bat boxes that can then be put around the school grounds or used by ourselves within one of our local woodlands (if there is space!)

Time of year: All year

For more information or to learn more about birds and their habitats visit the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (See link below).

For more information or to learn more about bats and their habitats visit the Bat Conservation Trust (See link below).

Environmental games

A wide range of games and fun activities offer an informal introduction to the great outdoors for children of all ages but are particularly aimed at reception to year 2/3. Colour cards, listening games, smelly cocktails and more help to stimulate the senses and imaginations and begin the exploration of an exciting woodland world.
We also have a fantastic nature quiz, a great way to learn about some of our more elusive woodland inhabitants. This session is best delivered outdoors in the woodland or on school grounds or the Museum gardens but can be accommodated indoors if the weather turns wet! The quiz is available to download at the bottom of this page.

Time of year: April to July