Rosliston Forestry Centre Environmental Education Project
Photos of Rosliston Forestry Centre Environmental Education Project
What will students see and do?
The National Forest is an incredible regeneration project that has reclaimed 200 square miles of land in the midlands to restore it to its former greenery. Since the 1990s, 8.9 million trees have been planted in the area.
The project has been an enormous community feat, with collaboration between landowners, local charities, partners and authorities. It has helped restore habitats for wildlife so that animals can thrive once again and has impressive sustainability credentials. The goal is to drive regeneration for future generations, create jobs and help people improve their skills through outdoor education.
The restored woodlands are a popular choice for science trips, offering students a deeper understanding of the natural world and the chance to learn outside. When you take part in the Rosliston Forestry Centre Environmental Education Project, you can choose either a half-day or full-day workshop in the National Forest in Derbyshire.
The workshops are mapped to the curriculum, but can also be focused on outdoor skills such as fire lighting, campfire cooking, orienteering, sustainable forestry and bushcraft if you prefer. Options include ‘Wildlife watch’, ‘Gardening’, ‘Nature detectives’ and ‘More trees, more good’.
You may also choose to include a self-led activity during your trip to the National Forest. There are various options including woodland walks, cycling and outdoor play, archery sessions, a bird of prey demonstration, and a woodland laser game.
How does the trip link to the curriculum?
Led activities at the Rosliston Forestry Centre link to many aspects of the national curriculum, including science, geography, history, maths, music, design and citizenship. The centre holds the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.
A trip to the National Forest can help children understand what is possible when working in collaboration with one another. It is also an important way for them to see the impact of environmental destruction and what can be done to alleviate this.
They will learn the importance of a low-carbon economy as well as finding out all about regeneration projects, and will gain insights into how business can be created sustainably. Many new businesses were formed to help manage and sustain the National Forest, so students will discover opportunities for careers in environmentalism and sustainability, as well as the importance of self-sustaining businesses in a green future.
The activities available can be adapted to all ages, and you choose which type of activity suits your group best. From finding out about art and technology in the natural world to being a nature detective, there are exciting opportunities for all educational stages.
Subjects covered
Teaching resources provided
The activity you choose for your students will come with an information brochure. You will have access to this before your visit and can liaise with the activity leader about the requirements for your class.
Minimum and maximum group size
The maximum number of students for a workshop is 30. If you choose a self-led trip through the forest, there is no minimum or maximum number of students – you just need to make sure you comply with government regulations of adult-to-child ratios for the age group you are bringing on the trip.
Details of risk assessment
A full risk assessment plan needs to be completed before your trip to the forest. You can request advice on this from the education team at Rosliston in advance of your visit.
Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment
Facilities on-site
Visitors to Rosliston Forestry Centre can access toilets (including disabled toilets), a restaurant/café and a gift shop. The site is wheelchair accessible. Other facilities include an information centre and children’s play area.
Opening times
The Rosliston Forestry Centre is open all year, between 9.30am and 5pm. Sometimes evening sessions can be arranged if the activity is relevant.
Pricing
A full-day session at the centre is priced at £190 for classes of up to 30 people. This includes four hours of teaching time and two activities. The sessions run between 9.30am and 3.30pm.
A full-day session for early years costs £150 for a class of 30 students. This includes three hours of teaching time and two activities.
A half-day visit costs £100 for a class of up to 30 students. It includes two hours of teaching time. Half-day sessions run from 9.30am to 12.30pm or from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
An early years half-day visit costs £75, which includes one and a half hours of teaching time.
To reserve your spot, please email rosliston@southderbyshire.gov.uk
Travel arrangements
The M1 motorway goes through the forest, and it’s best to travel to the education centre by road. There is coach parking on-site. Full details regarding parking will be sent on booking.
You can use the postcode DE12 8JX to arrive directly at the Rosliston Forestry Centre.
Address
Environmental Education Project, Unit 1a Rosliston Forestry Centre, Burton Rd, Rosliston, Swadlincote, Derbyshire
DE12 8JX
Book your school trip to Rosliston Forestry Centre Environmental Education Project
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