Schools work
Activities for schools
The Trust's qualified education staff are based at the Whistlestop Countryside Centre, in two Victorian railway station buildings in Matlock Bath. The education building, with its own wildlife garden and pond, provides a base for hands-on environmental studies.
The Centre staff lead a variety of activities at the Centre, in your classroom, or out on Trust reserves where children can take part in practical conservation work. All activities work towards National Curriculum requirements and can be adapted in consultation with the class teacher.
Take the Climate Challenge
Download our leaflet about climate change activities.
Activities at the Whistlestop Centre
The Lunchbox Challenge
A short, free activity designed to help children discover the impact their lunchbox litter has on the planet and learn how to make a difference.
What's in our pond?
The pond in our wildlife garden provides an excellent opportunity to study freshwater habitat. Observational skills are encouraged and simple keys are used. A favourite for Key Stage 1.
Secrets of the River Derwent
Find out about the life and health of the river using simple chemical tests and dipping with nets.
River Derwent Detectives
Measuring flow rate and depth and assessing if the river would be suitable for an otter to live in.
Earth walk in the woods
Sensory activities and nature games on High Tor, a woodland close to the Centre. This involves a steep walk but with plenty of stops.
Earth walk in the meadows
A walk round Rose End Meadows Nature Reserve in Cromford reveals a variety of habitats and leads to a food chain game.
Rocks and fossils
Walk back in time to when Derbyshire was under the sea. Discover how limestone was formed and how it is used today.
Migration adventure trail
Discover the world of bird migration with a woodland orienteering course.
What do barn owls eat?
An indoor activity looking at owl pellets and using a key to find out what they eat.
Activities cost £225 for a maximum of 30 children.
At your school
Has your school wildlife area become a little too wild for comfort? If so, this programme of practical management mixed with nature activities and investigations will help you use your school wild areas successfully once again.
Includes curriculum-linked work on a management plan and practical sessions, tailored to your specific needs. It can also include inset/teacher training sessions. Cost: £160 for a half day, £305 for a whole day.
On our nature reserves
During the autumn and spring terms there may be opportunities to take part in practical conservation work on one of our nature reserves around the county.
Schools membership
Join us and we can support your After School Club with ideas, Wildlife Watch Club resources and staff time. For details contact us on 01773 881188. Annual fee £36 (or £3 per month).
How to book
To find out more about our programmes and to plan a visit to suit your students' needs, please contact the education staff on 01629 580958.
