Educational visits

I'd like to bring a school group to the site, what do I need to consider?

It is important to consider the following:

• check the weather forecast
• ensure that the group wear suitable clothing and footwear according to the weather conditions
• are toilets provided on the LNR?
• is there an area where the group can have their lunch, are there picnic tables?
• how much parking is available?
• are the paths suitable for all abilities?
• is there mobile phone reception?
• other health and safety precautions, such as keeping the group away from the ponds, deep / fast moving water, steep/slippery terrain, making the group away of stinging plants and thorns.

How many children are permitted per group?

We do not have a limit on the size of a group but smaller groups are preferable due to the nature of some of the activities that may be carried out, such as pond dipping, which requires more supervision of children.

What activities can the children do on the local nature reserves?

There are a variety of activities that are suitable for children and young adults of school age.  Popular activities include pond dipping, building habitat piles, planting trees, orienteering, learning about nature by carrying out environmental activities.

In addition most reserves have geocaching as an activity that can be undertaken, provided the children have a GPS enabled phone. A resource pack is available for teachers to use on nature reserves.

Away from local nature reserves a tracker pack is available for use by groups of young people, wanting to explore the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail. Locations are Welton and Londesborough. For further information please contact Samantha Mcgivern on (01482) 395202.

Will a site officer be available to assist with a school visit?

A site officer may be available to assist with a visit, but the school are also welcome to use the LNRs independently.

Is there a charge for visiting a local nature reserve?

No, there is no charge, except for a small charge for parking at several of our reserves (Danes Dyke, South Landing and the Flamborough Headland). 

Do I need to book?

No, but it is preferable to let us know. Please email countryside.access@eastriding.gov.uk so that the site officer is aware. 

Where can I get a map of the site?

An A4 map of the LNR is available online by using our  local nature reserve finder and selecting the individual nature reserve.

Will a risk assessment be carried out before the school’s visit?

No, the school should produce their own risk assessment but we have developed a set of safety guidance notes to help this process. Please email countryside.access@eastriding.gov.uk to request a Visitor Risk Assessment and Safety Guidance Notes for the reserve you are considering visiting.