Brock’s Autumn Amble
An activity day inspired by the wildlife and nature at Brockhole on Windermere
At Brockhole we are very lucky to be surrounded by the beauty of nature – from the landscape of mountains and lake, to the nature and wildlife in our beautiful grounds. This nature-themed day will consist of two sessions (with a lunch break between) which will help children explore the variety of trees and wildlife we have here.
Introduction
The session starts with a reading of ‘The Leaf Thief’ by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater, the story of a confused squirrel who gets very frustrated when all the leaves disappear off his tree! We talk about the seasons and how our surroundings change when Summer turns to Autumn.
Activity one: Autumn Amble
After having read the story we walk down to our woodland area looking for wildlife and seasonal changes on the way. In the woods we find out about our different trees and see how many differently shaped and coloured leaves we can find.
Activity two: Nature Detectives
After lunch we split into smaller groups to rotate around some short activities, these include using collected leaves to create artwork and nature conservation, considering how we can help wildlife in Autumn.
*This is based on a class size of around 30 children, for larger classes the children may be split into two activity groups for the day.
Available: November to March
Age range: Most suitable for Reception and KS1
Session length: Approximately 3.5 hours including lunch break
Session price: £7.50 per child (£150 minimum session cost)
Key topic areas:
- KS1: Science (Plants, animals inc Humans, Seasonal Changes, Living things and their habitats) Art and Design (Using a range of materials creatively)
- EYFS: Understanding the world (The natural world). Expressive Arts and Design. Literacy (comprehension- enjoyment of stories)
An indoor area can be made available for lunch if needed.
Brock’s Winter Wander
An activity day inspired by the wildlife and nature at Brockhole on Windermere
At Brockhole we are very lucky to be surrounded by the beauty of nature – from the landscape of mountains and lake, to the nature and wildlife in our beautiful grounds. This wildlife-themed day will consist of two activities (with a lunch break between) which will help children explore some of the wonderful nature we have here.
Introduction
The session starts with a reading of Nick Butterworth’s ‘One Snowy Night’. The children recall the animals that visited Percy in the night. We explain that we have the same animals here at Brockhole and that we are going to learn more about them over the day.
Activity one: Winter Wander
It’s cold at Brockhole and a special message has been left by Brock, our very own grounds keeper, asking the children to find the animals who live at Brockhole. We set off on a trail around the grounds at Brockhole, looking for the story’s animals and taking part in short activities related to wildlife on the way.
Activity two: Nature Detectives
We find out about some of the wildlife that live in the Lake District and the children take part in two activities focused on conservation and a creative activity.
*Depending on the group size, the children may be split into two activity groups.
Available: November to March
Session length: Approximately 3.5 hours including lunch break
Session price: £7.50 per child (£150 minimum session cost)
Maximum group size: ~ 60
Age range: Most suitable for Reception and KS1
Brock’s Spring Spectacular
Be inspired by Spring’s new life and Eric Carle’s classic ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ story in this wildlife and nature focused activity day at Brockhole on Windermere.
Brock has been on her wanders again! This nature-themed day will consist of two sessions (with a lunch break in between) which will help children to explore some of the wonderful insect life that we have here at Brockhole.
Introduction
The session starts with a reading of Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. We will recall the different stages of the butterfly’s life cycle and talk about Spring season and the emergence of new life. We will introduce teaching on the variety of insects at Brockhole and prepare the group for the day ahead.
Activity One: Spring/Summer Spectacular
We wander down to our pond and beehive area, pointing out wildlife and seasonal changes on the way. We visit our pond area to do some pond dipping with nets to investigate and name the creatures that we find. Then we visit our beehive to find out all about bees and learn why they are so important.
1 hr 15
Activity two: Nature Detectives
We discover which butterflies and moths live in the Lake District through visiting our indoor exhibition area and taking part in some short activities that include art and nature conservation.
1 hr 15
*This is based on a class of around 30 children, for larger classes the children may be split into two activity groups for the day.
Available: April to July
Age range: Most suitable for Reception & KS1
Session Length: Approximately 3.5 hours including a lunch break
Session price: £7.50 per child (£150 minimum session cost)
Maximum group size: 60
Brock’s Habitat Hike
An activity day exploring features of wild habitats and the importance of protecting them
This wildlife and habitat themed day will consist of two activities (with a lunch break between) which will help children explore some of the wonderful nature we have here, and think about human’s impact on the environment.
Introduction
The session starts with a reading of ‘Tidy’ by Emily Gravett. We will learn about the animals and the human and physical features in the story, and explore the core message – that natural environments don’t need to be tidy, even something as simple as a fallen leaf can provide important food and habitats for wildlife.
Activity one: Habitat Hike
Following the story, we will head out on a trail into Brockhole’s beautiful grounds to visit a range of natural habitats, taking part in mini activities along the way and learning about the important features of the habitats we see.
Activity two: Nature Makers
The children will split into smaller groups to take part in creative activities focused on wildlife and the use of natural and man made materials, and some fun outdoor explorative activities.
Available: year round
Session length: Approximately 3.5 hours including lunch break
Session price: £7.50 per child (£150 minimum session cost)
Maximum group size: ~ 60
Age range: Most suitable for Reception and KS1
