Cotswold Water Park Society

Education

Learning at Lower Moor Farm 2008

Learning at Lower Moor Farm offers a safe and stimulating programme of environmental education sessions, for KS1, KS2 and community groups such as Rainbows, Brownies and Beaver Cubs.
The varied and exciting programme is designed to complement the national curriculum, whilst providing an opportunity to learn hands - on about some more unusual topics such as bats, beavers and fossils.
All staff and volunteers are fully trained and CRB checked.

Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and has excellent facilities, including a purpose built classroom plus specially designed boardwalks, bird hides and pond dipping platforms.

Launched in 2007 as a joint venture between the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Cotswold Water Park Society, the programme attracted more than 1200 children in just 8 weeks from May to July.

Some of the comments received from teachers:
“In 22 years of teaching this is the best school trip I have ever been on. I would recommend this trip to any teacher – well organised, good hands-on activities” , Lyneham Infant School
“ A really super day – we will definitely return and recommend to others" St Peter's Primary, Chippenham
“ We all had an absolutely super day – very informative, engaging and enjoyable. We could have stayed longer!” Redmarley Primary School, Gloucestershire.
" Thank you so much, you were incredibly helpful, friendly, calm, knowledgeable and brilliant - we will definitely be back" Norton C of E, Tewkesbury.

Programme for 2008

Available from March 25 - end of September

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Marvellous Minibeasts

Exciting session with hands-on experience to:

• Compare the similarities and differences between habitats – hedgerow, grassland, ponds etc
• Discover how animals have adapted in order to survive
• Identify the various mini-beasts found by using key and hand lenses

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Wild Art Workshop

Develop art skills outdoors by:

• Exploring the environment using all your senses
• Using a variety of natural materials
• Create your very own imaginary minibeast, using colour, texture and camouflage
• Take what you make back to school with you

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Potty about Plants

Discover the plant life at Lower Moor Farm and learn:

• The different parts of a plant
• Magic methods of pollination
• The secrets of photosynthesis and seed dispersal
• Create your own nature reserve for your chosen wildlife

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Bat Boffins

12 of the 16 species of UK bats can be found here in the Cotswold Water Park. Through some energetic outdoor activities and demonstrations discover:

• Introducing the Best Bats in the world
• The who, what, where and why of our local bats
• Why they are endangered and how your school can help
• Further learning and follow on activities

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Fantastic Fossils

The Cotswold Water Park is famous for an incredible range of fossils, like the woolly mammoth skull! Through a range of exciting activities, explore the world beneath your feet:

• Hands on session Fossils and Rocks, including mammoth teeth and tusks
• Time line game
• Make and take your own fossil

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Busy Beavers

Beavers are alive and thriving just two miles away on a private estate. Take part in this unique hands-on session to understand more about these fascinating and surprising creatures, such as their

• Physiology, including their amazing teeth!
• Unique way of adapting their habitat
• Effect on the environment
• Optional class discussion on reintroduction of extinct native species

Children will leave with a great deal of knowledge about the amazing European beaver, whilst having some fun along the way!

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Orienteering

Introduction to maps, symbols and orientation
Following simplified maps, the children will explore a set orienteering route around Lower Moor Farm.
The session can be designed to be competitive if required.

Additional challenges based on the theme of wildlife and environment can be added for older children

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Download Learning at Lower Moor Farm, 2008 (pdf, 435kb)

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Location of Lower Moor Farm, near Oaksey

From A419 Swindon to Cirencester, take B4696 Spine Road in direction of Oaksey and Minety. Follow Spine Road until you reach a crossroads. Go straight ahead following signs for Minety, Oaksey and Keynes Park. After about 3 miles, past Friday Island on right and Goodman Bros Motors on left , the road takes two slight turns. After second turn, the entrance into Lower Moor Farm can be found on left, immediately after house on left.
Using Google Maps, type in postcode of site SN16 9TW.

If you are interested in finding out more about the programme, and would like to make enquiries about booking please contact the Education and Events Officer, Jill Bewley.

E: jill.bewley@waterpark.org
T: 01793 752413 / 752730
M: 07929 375 211
(Please note that mobile reception in the area is very poor so your call may not be answered!)