Field Studies Council – Nettlecombe Court
Photos of Field Studies Council – Nettlecombe Court
What will students see and do?
The Field Studies Council has learning centres all over the UK. It offers science school trips for students from primary through to university ages, with sites set against beautiful natural reserves that offer the ideal place to undertake fieldwork.
Nettlecombe Court is an FSC site based in a secluded valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Your students can stay in this Georgian house (with Tudor origins), surrounded by private grounds full of heritage parkland, woodland and lichen communities that have been noted by scientific bodies.
With access to the Somerset Coast, the National Park and the Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there’s plenty to see and do on your trip whether it’s a day visit or a residential stay.
How does the trip link to the curriculum?
The centre offers plenty of activities that will enrich the curriculum, such as biodiversity fieldwork and geography-themed work. Plus, the outdoor activities at Nettlecombe will help pupils develop skills in:
– Teamwork
– Environmental awareness
– Outdoor skills
– Safety outside the classroom
– Overcoming fears
– ‘Leaving no trace’ in natural settings
– Confidence in learning
Subjects covered
Teaching resources provided
Nettlecombe Court is a place where your students can learn hands-on, so the resources you use before and after the trip can be shaped around the specifics of what you want them to learn from the trip.
All the essential documents you might need when planning UK school trips to Nettlecombe Court can be found on the FSC website. You can read its codes of practice and group visit agreements, among other key documents.
Minimum and maximum group size
Nettlecombe can host your whole class. However, your pupils may need to be split into smaller groups to take part in activities. You can discuss the details of your trip with the FSC Nettlecombe team.
The site can sleep up to 120 people across its two single rooms, three twin rooms and 18 dormitories. There must be at least one adult to accompany each group of pupils during activities.
Details of risk assessment
The Nettlecombe team has fully risk assessed all the activities they carry out. The site holds various accreditations that proves its commitment to health and safety:
– Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge
– Carbon Trust Standard
– 5* Food Hygiene Rating
– Secondary Geography Quality Mark
– Green Tourism Award Gold
– Safety Shield Health and Safety Award Gold
These accreditations and risk assessments are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Please note that risk assessing your journey to and from the centre, and any activities not provided by Nettlecombe staff, is your responsibility.
Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment
Facilities on-site
Nettlecombe has all the facilities you could need at a residential site for both students and accompanying adults, including:
– Catering
– Bathrooms
– Children’s facilities
– Common room
– Accessible bedroom
– Drinks-making stations
– Kitchen
– Linen
– Lounge
– Bar
– Outdoor clothing hire
– Outdoor learning areas
– WiFi
– Workrooms (5)
– On-Site Parking
Opening times
From Monday to Friday, Nettlecombe is open for general enquiries on 01984 640 320 from 9am-5pm. Alternatively, you can email on enquiries.nc@field-studies-council.org.
If you would like to book a trip for your school group, there is a dedicated team to contact. Get in touch with them on 01743 852 100.
Pricing
The cost of your trip will vary depending upon various factors such as the length of your stay, the facilities you need access to and the number of pupils. Contact the Nettlecombe team via phone or email to discuss your plans.
The centre offers various payment plans, which you can find out about on the website.
Travel arrangements
FSC has links with travel company First Travel Solutions, which is the recommended coach travel provider to Nettlecombe Court. You can enquire about a quote for your journey. It offers a dedicated contact for each booking and 100% security on all deposits.
By car, the M5 is the main motorway you will travel to reach the centre. Then, follow signposts towards Williton.
The nearest train station is Taunton – and buses run to Williton, but a taxi will be needed to make the final leg of the journey to the centre.
Address
Nettlecombe Court, Williton, Taunton, Somerset
TA4 4HT
Book your school trip to Field Studies Council – Nettlecombe Court
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