Outdoor Learning
Learning Outside the Classroom
We enable Wiltshire Schools to deliver high quality Learning Outside of the Classroom experiences (LOTC) that support, enrich and extend teaching and learning as well as manage risks appropriately.
We do this through EVOLVE, a flexible online system for planning and managing off site activities together with expert training, advice and support from our LOTC Adviser team.
The service supports schools to plan and deliver successful educational visits and off-site activities by ensuring they get the best training, advice and support; and access to the most effective tools.
More information
Learning Outside the Classroom and EVOLVE Service Information
Wiltshire Beekeepers
We are beekeepers who are passionate about informing the world about bees and pollinators in general. Our members offer talks aimed at various key stages and, depending on the time of year and weather, we can bring live honey bees to the event (in a sealed container with glass sides) so that children and young bees can safely see the bees on the combs for themselves.
We have four branches across Wiltshire:
- Kennet
- Melksham
- West Wilts
- Swindon
More information and free resources
Wiltshire Countryside and Rights of Way Team
We manage a number of countryside sites that can be used as an environmental education resource. Email countryside@wiltshire.gov.uk for more information.
Wiltshire Council’s Rights of Way & Countryside team offer outdoor learning talks and walks to groups and classes, such as bat walks and general nature walks in Wiltshire Council’s country parks, some of which have wheelchair access. We also host activities, such as practical conservation tasks or tree planting and offer indoor talks and demonstrations about nature conservation and the environment for both children and adults. We have a range of resources to ensure your activity is both safe and enjoyable, including binoculars, bat detectors, identification cards, pond dipping nets, bowsaws, secateurs, loppers and health and safety equipment.
If you are interested in arranging a talk, walk or activity, please contact countryside@wiltshire.gov.uk to discuss your requirements. As a guide, charges would start at £40 for half a day and £70 for a full day. Schools are welcome to use Wiltshire Council country parks for their own outdoor learning activities – you just need to let us know beforehand!
A range of other organisations in Wiltshire offer educational support and information to schools, colleges, home education groups and individual. These include:
- The Conservation Volunteers
- Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
- Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
- English Heritage
- Natural England
- Wessex Water
