Natural England - The Wash: school and community groups

The Wash: school and community groups

The Wash National Nature Reserve offers a range of exciting outdoor opportunities for schools and groups and a chance to explore and have fun in a unique outdoor space.

School children visiting the Wash NNR © Natural England

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

  • Equipment such as nets, binoculars and cameras for use on site.

  • Links to visitor centres in the area – Green Quay (King’s Lynn), True’s Yard Museum (King’s Lynn) & the Hunstanton Youth Hostel. Combine a visit to these visitor centres or a stay at the youth hostel, with a trip out to the Wash NNR. Please ask for more details if interested.

Primary school visits

Sessions for primary school visitors are linked to the National Curriculum: (284kb)pdf document. All the activities can be adapted to suit the particular needs of the children and tailored to your schemes of work.

All activities will last for approximately 2 -2 ½ hours for the Key Stage 2 and approximately 2 hours for Key Stage 1, though this can be adapted if necessary.

The Wash and Dersingham NNR School Programme: (557kb)pdf document

Secondary school visits

Though there isn’t a programme for secondary school visits, please inform us if you will be visiting the Wash NNR for any self led fieldwork.

Youth group visits

The Wash NNR offers a range of activities for youth groups: (343kb)pdf document, including tailored badge work.

Adult group visits

These are welcome and we will be happy to accommodate your group; please contact the Outreach Adviser for visits to the Wash NNR.

Practical information

  • Facilities: there is no fixed shelter on the NNR so please ensure that suitable clothing and hats are worn during your visit and bring plenty of sun cream. Basic shelter in the form of a tent may be available dependant on the weather.

  • Toilets: there are no toilets on the NNR. Nearest toilet facilities to the Wash NNR are at Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge or West Street, Long Sutton.

  • Health and safety: it is the schools' responsibility to ensure adequate pupil:adult ratios, with appropriate CRB checks in place for adults on the visit. Our outreach staff working for Natural England are CRB checked. First Aid provision remains the responsibility of the school; however, our education staff is qualified to provide first aid and will carry a kit. Risk assessments on all activities are carried out in accordance with Natural England requirements. With each booking made, risk assessments will be made available to schools prior to visit. All students regardless of the time of year should come suitably dressed and prepared for any bad weather. Although an activity programme can be arranged over the phone or by e-mail, a teacher pre-visit to the NNRs is recommended, to gain a clear understanding of the site and establish the objectives of the visit.

  • Access: main access to the Wash NNR is from the East Lighthouse entrance, which offers easy access onto the Sir Peter Scott Walk but is not suitable for wheelchairs. The Sir Peter Scott Walk follows the old sea bank along the coast and has fantastic views of the Wash and the North Fens.

  • Directions: most activities will be delivered on the reserve by the East Lighthouse, Wingland, near Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire.
    Map and directions to the Wash NNR: (249kb)pdf document

  • How to book: for more information or to book a school session please contact Sonia Reveley on 01553 818503 or 07920295237, or e-mail sonia.reveley@naturalengland.org.uk