Places to Visit
last updated and details checked August 2010
These local places to visit are all within about 1 hour's travel from Bolton or suitable for a 1/2 or full day visit.
Alternative Technology Centre, Hebden Bridge
Bolton Museum and Archive Service, Bolton
Cliffs Farm and Rock and River Outdoor pursuits
Countryside Service, Moses Gate, Moss Bank Park, Queens Park and Smithills, Bolton
Environmental Resource Centre, Bolton
Farm visits, FACE (Farming And Countryside Education)
Gravel Pits Action Group Site, Darcy Lever, Bolton
LEAFY residential courses
Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Ormskirk
Myerscough College, near Preston
National Wildflower Centre, Liverpool
Offshoots, Towneley Park, Burnley
Penwortham Environment Education Centre, Preston
Smithills Open Farm, Bolton
Southport EcoCentre, Southport
The Waste Experience, Bolton
Waste Works Education Centre, Manchester
Worthington Lakes Environmental Education Centre, near Wigan
The Teachernet website has listings of outdoor places to visit where children and young people's groups are particularly welcome. http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools/region/placestovisit/index.cfm?rid=3
There's a listing of places to visit in NW England on a "Global Outdoors" theme at: http://www.globaloutdoors.co.uk/Database/Regions/North-West.html
If you're interested in a trip further afield (for a residential perhaps?) these might be worth considering:
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Wales www.cat.org.uk
Eden Project, Cornwall www.edenproject.com
worried about the cost of educational visits? Reciproc8 is a recycling scheme which pays you for recycling mobile phones, ink cartridges, MP3s etc by paying for your visit - including transport.
http://www.reciproc8.co.uk/ or 0845 194 8288
Reciproc8 also provides free products including:
• growing and planting range - seeds, vegetables, plants, trees and much more
• husbandry range - hen houses, nesting boxes, hibernation houses and much more
• gardening equipment - a range of tools for children and adults
• outdoor furniture - including compost bins, raised beds, tables and benches
Alternative Technology Centre (Hebden Bridge)
A Visitor Centre at Hebden Bridge with examples of sustainability, including a permaculture garden, wildlife gardens, and examples of renewable energy - solar and wind power.
They offer tours of the centre, and workshops including plastic recycling where pupils may bring along waste plastic and recycle it into something useful. They also have an interactive energy room, and advice on greening your school.
01422 842121
http://www.alternativetechnology.org.uk/visits/index.html
Bolton Museum and Archive Service
Bolton Museums education section offer worksheets, activities and visits to Bolton Central Museum, Hall i'th' Wood Museum and Smithills Hall.
They provide a range of educational experiences, and a programme for schools, with strong links to the curriculum. The activities complement museum collections and exhibitions, including a biodiversity exhibition with
1000s of specimens. Workshops can be adapted to meet the needs of groups.
There is a Biological Record Centre with 1000's of entries which is free for schools to use.
Sally Tomlinson 01204 332236
sally.tomlinson@bolton.gov.uk
http://www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/learning/
Cliffs Farm and Rock and River Outdoor pursuits
Cliffs Farm is a 57 hectare grass and arable farm in Mawdesley that has been used for school visits since 1995. The farm is particularly suited to geography fieldwork. Students learn about crops and different types of soil as they find out what influences land use. Maps and teaching materials are provided so that students can discover ponds, ditches and ancient hedgerows. They learn about diversification and the importance of wildlife on farms. Cliffs farm is also a good place to begin debate about renewable energy because wind and biofuel projects are located here.
For Key Stage One and Two, there is a 'woodland village' where pupils can take part in active play-based learning. Willow can also be harvested for willow weaving projects.
Cliffs Farm has an educational centre with a room which can accommodate up to 96 pupils at one time.
Rock and River is a well established outdoor pursuits centre that is located at Cliffs Farm. A wide variety of activities are offered including indoor and outdoor climbing walls, high ropes, abseiling tower, kayaking and archery. All activities are safety inspected and licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority. Residential and catering facilities are available.
For Cliffs Farm phone Bernie Jordan on 01204 693473 or
www.cliffsfarm.co.uk
for Rock and River: bookings@rockand river.co.uk
www.rockandriver.co.uk
01704 822644
Countryside Service, Moses Gate, Moss Bank Park, Queens Park and Smithills
There are Countryside Ranger led activities for various age groups (free) at Moses Gate Country Park, Bolton. There is a shop, toilets and exhibition. There are also some activities based at Moss Bank Park, Queens Park and Smithills Country Park. If equipment is used for pond-dipping a hire charge is made.
Activities are based around butterflies, plants, minibeasts, birds, man's impact, habitats, soil and recycling, river studies and pond dipping. They can also tailor various activities to meet your needs.
Enquiries for all: 01204 334343
rangers@bolton.gov.uk
Environmental Resource Centre, Bolton
The Environmental Resource Centre is the Greater Manchester HQ for Lancashire Wildlife Trust and offers a variety of environmental education activities for school groups.
Education sessions are either half day or full day and are flexible to suit the demands of your learning criteria. The ERC is equipped with a resource room and workshop but benefits most from its excellent location next to Seven Acres Local Nature Reserve. Seven Acres LNR is home to a variety of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, ponds and a river which allow a wide variety of curriculum topics to be delivered in the outdoor environment.
7 Acres has its own MP3 audio trail suitable for children and young people. Further information from: www.7acresproject.co.uk
LWT staff are trained in delivering the John Muir Award and so if you are interested in your students achieving accreditation with this programme this will be feasible.
Details on session fees, contents and bookings: contact the LNR Officer 01204 663754
http://www.lancswt.org.uk/Getting%20Involved/communityprojects/seven_acres.htm
Farm visits - FACE
FACE (Farming And Countryside Education) is an organisation which works with schools and farms to allow children the opportunity to find out about the countryside and "where their food comes from". If you are looking for resources related to the curriculum or need advice on how or where to take your pupils on a farm visit please contact:
Katy Pallas katy@face-online.org.uk 07743028289
www.face-online.org.uk
Gravel Pits Action Group (GPAG) Darcy Lever
A voluntary conservation group* who look after an important wildlife site. It is on council land and open to anyone to visit anytime. There is an interesting variety of plant and animal species in several different habitats, including ponds.
Schools can visit the site on their own or can contact Matt from the Countryside Service to arrange a visit.
Matt Dawson 334343
*To get involved in practical conservation work at weekends check out the GPAG website: www.gpag.co.uk
rangers@bolton.gov.uk
LEAFY residential courses
This isn't strictly a place for a single visit, but LEAFY runs residential courses for 8 - 11 year olds.
Based in Manchester, their publicity says: "We believe passionately in promoting a more sustainable way of life, for now and for the future. We aim to do this by providing uniquely designed, fun and adventurous, outward bound experiences while also supporting young people in making a positive impact in their schools, communities and the wider world."
Janet Pendlebury at Chorley New Road Primary had this to say about their residential:
"The trip was exceptionally successful and we are having a rerun this year with 25 very enthusiastic children. I am so grateful to you for pointing us in their direction as we have forged strong links with them and hope that they shall continue for a good few years!"
http://www.leafy.org.uk/
Martin Mere Wetlands, Ormskirk
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is a Wetland conservation charity. They run several centres throughout the coutry, and the NW centre is at Martin Mere, near Omskirk.
Martin Mere Centre has seasonally flooded wetlands with a diverse selection of wildlife and birds. Educational visits are led by staff at the centre.
There is also a café, art gallery, and shops.
01704 895181
info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/martin-mere
Myerscough College
Myerscough College is a land based college which offers local primary and secondary schools curriculum linked visits based around food, farming, the environment and countryside. Activities based on the dairy and sheep farm are very popular as are the activities which use the extensive grounds (woodlands, ornamental gardens, plant centre with tropical and temperate zones, kitchen garden area and allotment area). Activities can be tailored to suit the age of the pupils and curriculum requirements. Sustainability themes (such as food miles, seasonality, use of the countryside) can be linked to activities when required.
Bookings are taken in advance and teachers are welcome to view the facilities before making a booking. A small charge is made for each pupil.
For more information and current prices please contact the schools liaison team: schools@myerscough.ac.uk or 01995 642341
National Wildflower Centre, Liverpool
The National Wildflower Centre in Liverpool is a visitor attraction, with a small entry fee, open from April until September.
It offers a programme of educational activities. Groups can visit to learn all about the wildflowers that have been disappearing from our countryside, find out about creative conservation work to improve urban areas, and see pond wildlife and composting methods.
Ticky Lowe 0151 7381913
www.nwc.org.uk
info@nwc.org.uk
Offshoots, Towneley Park, Burnley
Offshoots is run by the Groundwork Trust and offers guided tours and sessions on "Sustainable living in action: bringing to life the links between biodiversity, energy, food and climate change."
They demonstrate that small and simple lifestyle changes can make a real difference in combating global warming.
Offshoots can provide expert advice and guidance on sustainable ways of living including: habitat studies, sustainability, organic gardening, recycling, general horticulture, aboriculture, beekeeping, micro-power generations and sustainable building techniques.
01282 450270
http://www.offshoots.org.uk/
Penwortham Environmental Education Centre, Preston
Environmental education centre with a classroom, experimental learning room, wildlife garden and grounds, ancient woodlands, ponds and a resources library. They run half or full day education programmes for schools, (adaptable to requirements) and promote an Eco lunch.
They provide an education outreach facility for schools and uniformed groups, and provide training for teachers, youth leaders and rangers. Also they can offer some visits into schools with wildlife or waste activities.
01772 751110
http://www.lancswt.org.uk/PDFs/downloads/Outreach%20Education%20Programmes%20from%20Environment%20Education%20Centre,%20Penwortham.pdf
Smithills Open Farm
An open farm with a fine collection of traditional farm animals including calves, sheep, goats, horses, hens, ducks, as well as owls and other birds and the latest additions to the family; four llamas. Most are under cover, and you can see them close up.
Schools are welcome to visit, and efforts are made by staff to meet any particular requirements. The farm is on Smithills Deane Road, Smithills, Bolton BL1 7NS
01204 595765
info@smithillsopenfarm.co.uk
www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk
Southport EcoCentre
The Southport Eco Visitor-Centre offers a practical demonstration of sustainability. The Centre sits on the Esplanade Park and Ride site and offers free access to information about the environment with a particular focus on Climate Change, Energy, Water, Travel and Tourism. The centre includes an Education and Conference Centre, Energy Garden, Concourse Displays, a teacher and restroom facilities. The centre includes a 20 KW wind turbine, heated by groundsource heatpumps with underfloor heating, solar heating provides the hotwater and rainwater is collected for flushing toilets.
Details: http://www.southportecocentre.com/education.htm
Contact: darren.lloyd@technical.sefton.gov.uk
0151 934 2713
The Waste Experience, Bolton (and Bury)
Viridor Laing (Greater Manchester) Ltd is responsible for the treatment and disposal of Greater Manchester's household waste.
We offer free visits to our "Waste Education" centres to see at first hand the different technologies used to treat waste and to take part in activities that help your group to reduce, re-use and recycle their waste more effectively.
There are currently two visit opportunities:
• Thermal Recovery Facility at Bolton where waste is burned to create energy.
• Pilsworth landfill site at Bury where waste is buried
At both sites there is a purpose built education centre and a dedicated team of education officers who will ensure that you and your group have an engaging and safe visit. Both sites hold the 'Learning Outside the Classroom' Quality Badge.
(In the future, two additional centres will be created at other waste treatment sites.)
(Visits are suitable for age 7 and above)
Visit our waste education pages on http://www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com/waste-education/visits
Or contact our education officers on education@viridor-laing.co.uk
Telephone 01204 374 222/223
Waste Works Environmental Centre
Waste Works is a purpose-built education centre in central Manchester (short walk from Victoria train station). Based at The Co-operative's recycling centre, it's the largest in-house office waste-recycling centre in the UK. Waste paper from The Group's head offices is taken to the centre and recycled into toilet and kitchen paper, which is then sold in Co-operative stores.
• Brings sustainability to life - see our recycling machine in action!
• FREE hands-on programmes for 7-11 year olds
• Clear links to Key Stage 2 National Curriculum
• FREE resources to help cut waste at home and school
Waste Works run 2 workshops (both last 2 hours): Paper Trail and Closing the Loop
If you are looking for a free environmental experience contact 0161 833 4563 or email wasteworks@co-operative.coop
Waste Works is managed by environmental charity Waste Watch on behalf of The Co-operative Group.
www.co-operative.coop/wasteworks
Worthington Lakes Environmental Education Centre (near Wigan)
Kingfisher Education Services (formerly United Utilities Education Team) based at Worthington Lakes near Wigan, offers environmental programmes delivered at the purpose built education centre and within schools.
For Key Stage 2
• Act on climate change: Help your school to become more sustainable. Available for KS2-KS4. This programme is funded by the North West Development Agency and is free to schools in the area that haven't already registered.
• Environmental activity day: Mix and match environmental activities to meet your curriculum needs.
• Streamwatch: Discover the secrets of freshwater life, study pollution indicators and investigate the impact we have upon our rivers.
For Key Stage 3 & 4
• Freshwater studies: An investigation of watercourses. The programme supports learners working towards CREST awards, Environmental Land Based Diplomas or GCSE's.
Charges will vary depending upon the programme chosen
Please contact the team for further information: Worthington Lakes Education Centre, Chorley Road, Standish, Wigan WN1 2XN
01257 425550
kingfishereducationservices@virginmedia.com
http://www.kingfishereducation.co.uk/
