Natural England - Stiperstones: school and community groups

Stiperstones: school and community groups

The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve offers exciting and engaging outdoor learning opportunities.

A school visit to the Stiperstones NNR © Natural England

  • Activity sessions for school or community groups led by our Community Outreach Advisor.

  • Spectacular habitats to explore.

  • Explore the recently-restored 19th-centuary squatter cottages and learn about the areas rich mining history.

  • Curriculum linked sessions.

  • Equipment such as minibeast pots, nets, spotter sheets and binoculars available for use on site.

Primary school visits

We offer a range of free and exciting learning activities tailored to suit your school.

The Outreach Adviser is available for pre and/or post visit sessions in your school to complement your visit to the NNR.

Please click on the links below for ideas.

Primary schools visit ideas: (355kb)pdf document

Secondary school visits

The Stiperstones NNR provides a great location for a range of meaningful surveys and research projects.

Work experience placements can be arranged dependant on suitability and staff time, please contact us for more details.

Schools can also work towards their John Muir awards with sessions lead by the outreach adviser both in school and at the NNR.

Youth group visits

We also cater for youth groups! Brownie packs can work towards their Wildlife Explorer badge, Environment badge or Challenge badge. Cubs and Scouts can work towards their badges too!

More general youth groups are more than welcome too, on a day out from a summer scheme or as a series of visits to work towards their John Muir Explorer Award.

Brownie visit opportunities: (258kb)pdf document

Youth group visit opportunities: (363kb)pdf document

Adult group visits

Whatever the age and interest of your group we can offer a range of guided walks and talks to suit your group. Please contact us for more information.

Practical information

Facilities: there is only limited ‘tent’ shelter so warm, wind and waterproof clothing and footwear is vital in autumn, winter and spring. In the summer months, a brimmed hat (not caps) is sensible, and sun cream protection will be needed, along with waterproofs and a spare warm jumper for those windy days. Many of the paths on the NNR are rocky and uneven and strong, sturdy footwear is essential.

Toilets: at Snailbeach Village Hall car park and when open in the summer months at the Bog Visitor Centre

Health and safety: It is the schools/youth group leader’s responsibility to ensure adequate pupil: adult ratios, with appropriate CRB checks in place for adults on the visit. The Stiperstones NNR Outreach staff have CRB checks and first aid training. A first aid kit will be available. The lead teacher/Youth leader should have access to all the pupil permission/contact/health details, but any relevant health issues, e.g. wasp sting allergies, should be made know to the Outreach Adviser in advance. Although an activity programme can be arranged over the phone or by e-mail, a pre-visit to The Stiperstones NNR is recommended to gain a clear understanding of the site and establish the objectives of the visit.

Access: There is an all-ability trail suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs on the edge of the hill. Otherwise, many of the paths are rocky and uneven. There are some steep sections of path. Please make us aware of any access or other needs when planning your visit so that we can accommodate these.

Directions: Visits begin from either the NNR car park, or Snailbeach Village Hall depending on the activities chosen. Directions will be sent on enquiry.

How to book: for more information or to book a school session please contact Jenni Tibbetts 01743 792 294 or e-mail jenni.tibbetts@naturalengland.org.uk