Natural England - Humberhead Peatlands: school and community groups

Humberhead Peatlands: school and community groups

Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve offers exciting and engaging outdoor learning opportunities for schools.

School visit to Humberhead Peatlands NNR © Natural England

Our educational programme offers a range of opportunities from primary education through to adult learning.

  • Activity sessions for school or community groups led by our Community Support Officer

  • Spectacular habitats to explore

  • Equipment such as pond dipping nets, minibeast pots, GPS, and binoculars available for use on site

Primary Schools

(Currently no charge)

All the activities can be adapted to suit the particular needs of the children and tailored to your schemes of work.

Nature trails – around the vast site tailored for schools and groups. In term-time or after school groups.

Geo-caching – bring your own GPS or use the NNRs.

Willow crafts – turn willow into amazing objects and species that live on the Moors.

Seasonal species events and treasure trails – watch out for these on our website and via the local press and radio.

Pond dipping – organised visits.

Secondary Schools

(Currently no charge)

Archaeology and peat coring – schools sessions to look at the impact of time on the Humberhead Peatlands. Go back thousands of years to see how the land has altered and what might have lived here all those years ago.

Practical survey and habitat conservation tasks such as cotton grass translocation.

5-25 years age group for schools sessions. Walks under parental supervision. Some walks wheelchair and buggy friendly. Groups up to 25.

Walks and events must be booked unless stated in advertisement. Call 07766 420290 to book or for further information.

Practical information

Facilities: there is only limited shelter so warm, wind and waterproof clothing and footwear is vital in autumn, winter and spring. In the summer months, a hat is sensible, and sun cream protection will be needed. Plenty of water to drink and insect repellent if needed. It is still a good idea to include waterproofs for British weather though!

Toilets: at Hatfield Moors Boston Park access only.

Health and safety: (93kb)pdf document: it is the schools' responsibility to ensure adequate pupil: adult ratios, with appropriate CRB checks in place for adults on the visit. Humberhead Peatlands NNR outreach staff and volunteers all have CRB checks and first aid training. A first aid kit will be available. The lead teacher should have access to all the pupil permission/contact/health details, but any relevant health issues, e.g. wasp sting allergies, should be made known to the Community Support Officer in advance. Although an activity programme can be arranged over the phone or by e-mail, a teacher pre-visit to Humberhead Peatlands NNR is recommended to gain a clear understanding of the site and establish the objectives of the visit. See Notes for Teachers: (80kb)pdf document

Access: there is an easy access route on Hatfield Moors which is wheelchair and buggy friendly. The rest of the NNR consists of peat, stone, grassy paths with occasional boardwalks over flat terrain. Check out the Direct Enquiries website for more information and pictures to plan your visit www.directenquiries.org.uk. Please make us aware of access or other needs when planning your visit so that we can accommodate these.

Directions: the main access for Hatfield Moors is at Boston Park which can be accessed off the A614 between Hatfield Woodhouse and Blaxton villages. A brown sign is present.

How to book: for more information or to book a school session please contact Janet Canning, 07766 420290, or e-mail janet.canning@naturalengland.org.uk