Natural Treasures of the Wash

Educational Programme 2010

The Wash is the largest estuary and the most important wetland site in the UK. The south east corner of the Wash forms the largest National Nature Reserve in England. The large expanse of mudflats and saltmarsh within the NNR support huge numbers of wintering and passage waterfowl. The saltmarsh is important for breeding waders and visiting wildfowl and the outer trial bank is used by breeding seabirds. Common seals pup on the offshore banks in the summer. A range of nationally scarce plants and invertebrates have been recorded on the saltmarsh and on parts of the sea bank.

To raise awareness about this diverse habitat, Natural England new Outreach Adviser will be inspiring and engaging an interest by designing and delivering a programme of outdoor activities, events and school visits for children, families and the general public at the Wash National Nature Reserve and within the Wash area.

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Natural treasures of the Wash

Educational Programme 2010

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The Hidden Wash

‘ What can be found under the waves?'

Venture into an undersea world where up to 10,000 species of plants and animals live and learn about what lives under the Wash.

Learn though our beach comber table/touch table by exploring and handling items that have washed up on the beach. Finish off with porthole window activity and make a sea horse pencil top.

Duration of Module: Approximately 1 ½—2 hours.

Suitable for Key Stage 1 & 2

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Hidden Wash, ‘What can be found under the sea?' can be delivered at your school or at the Green Quay Centre.

For further development : Book a seashell, plankton or coastal wildlife module .

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Seashells

‘What are shells and how are they formed?'

Ever wondered where shells come from and what their purpose is? Well here is an opportunity to learn about the origins of the seashell, the shell lifecycle and why the animal inside needs a shell for its survival from predators and exposure .

Duration of Module: Approximately 1 ½ hours

Suitable for Key Stage 2

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Seashells ‘ What are shells and how they are formed?' can be delivered at your school or at the Green Quay Centre.

For further development: Book a Coastal Wildlife module .

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Plankton

‘What is plankton?'

Discover the microscopic world of the Wash and the microscopic creatures importance in the ocean's foodchain. Learn how to use a microscope and search for plankton from a drop of sea water from the Wash Estuary.

Duration of module: Approximately 2 hours

Suitable for late Key Stage 2

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Plankton ‘What is plankton?' can be delivered at your school or at the Green Quay Centre. .

For further development: Book a Plankton net making activity .

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The Saltmarsh

‘A Special Coastal Feature'

Start off with a walk along the sea wall, observing the wilderness, beauty and silence. Carry out some plant identification and learn about the saltmarsh food chain. This is then followed by a comparison study between grazed and ungrazed saltmarsh using quadrats. Finally scan the horizon for visiting birds and finish off with a game of saltmarsh bingo.

Duration of Module: Approximately 2 ½ hours

Suitable for Key Stage 2

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The Saltmarsh ‘A Special Coastal Feature' module will be based on the Wash National Nature Reserve by the East Lighthouse, near Sutton Bridge and best taught between May - October.

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Saltmarsh Photo trail and strandline hunt

Learn about the wildlife and plants that can be found on the Wash NNR through our photo trail activity then become a nature detective by taking part in our strandline hunt.

Duration of the module: Approximately 1 ½ hours (please add 15 minutes to get back to the coach)

Suitable for Key late Stage 1 & early Key Stage 2

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The Saltmarsh ‘A Special Coastal Feature' module will be based on the Wash National Nature Reserve by the East Lighthouse, near Sutton Bridge and best taught between May - October.

For further development: Book a Hidden Wash module.

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Make a plankton net

Learn to make a plankton net, go plankton trawling and study your findings under a field microscope.

Duration of the module: Approximately 1 ½ hours (please add 15 minutes to get back to the coach)

Suitable for Key Stage 2

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Make a plankton net will be based at Hunstanton Beach.

For further development: Book a Coastal Wildlife module

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Coastal Wildlife

Become a wildlife detective and search the strandline for evidence of plant and animal remains. Delve among the rock pools and search the sand to find the creatures that make it their home.

A stimulating hands-on way to explore interdependence, adaptation, variation, feeding and ecological relationships.

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Duration of the module: Approximately 2 hours (please add 15 minutes to get back to the coach)

Suitable for Key Stage 2

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Coastal Wildlife is based at Hunstanton Beach

For further development : Book the Saltmarsh, Hidden Wash or Plankton module

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PRICES:

A module taught on the school premises, on the Wash NNR and at Hunstanton will cost £1 per pupil

Two modules: £2 per pupil

(to cover the cost of resources & materials)

All resources and use of equipment are included in the price.

A module taught at the Green Quay Centre will cost £3.50 per pupil.

Two modules taught at the Green Quay Centre will cost £4.50 per pupil.

(These prices reflects the cost of hiring the Green Quay Centre top floor)

Teachers and helpers can come along for free.

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BOOKING

Please ring the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503 to book and discuss how we may complement and enrich your curriculum objectives further.

Alternatively email at Sonia.Reveley@naturalengland.org.uk

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Health & Safety

All our education staff working for Natural England are CRB checked. First Aid provision remains the responsibility of the school, however our education staff are qualified to provide first aid and will carry a kit. .

Risk assessments on all activities are carried out in accordance with Norfolk County Council and 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.

TRANSPORT

Schools will need to make their own arrangements to reach their destination. Instructions for coach drivers and coach parking sites will be issued with each booking.

To request further details pleaser contact the Community |Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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NATURAL ENGLAND COASTAL STUDIES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

Coastal Studies: Investigating Coastal Geology

Hunstanton's dramatic red and white striped cliffs are unique in the geological section they display and are a designated Site of Special Interest. Follow the time line of the formation of the Wash and these special cliffs.

At the beach. we will identify and compare the different types of rocks, which can be found. Hunt for the fossilized remains of sea creatures, which lived at the time dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Duration of Module: Half Day

Coastal Studies: Investigating Coastal Wildlife

Become a wildlife detective and search the strandline for evidence of plant and animal remains. Delve among the rock pools and search the sand to find the creatures that make it their home. Scan the foreshore for birds. Learn to identify and classify the different species with the aid of field guides. A stimulating hand - on way to explore interdependence, adaptation, variation, feeding and ecological relationships.

Duration of Module: Half Day

Coastal Studies: Investigating Sand Dunes

Carry out sand dune investigations to explore this precious, fragile but vital habitat and understand how it is affected by human activity.

Pupils will be taught to identify, record and measure the different zones ad sample plant and animal life using qudrats.

Duration of Module: Half Day

Coastal Studies: Investigating Sea Defences

The disastrous floods of 1953 devastated the coastline of East Anglia, destroying homes and farmland and taking the lives of unsuspecting people. Explore the geomorphologic processes and weather patterns that created this tidal surge and discover how the flood affected local communities.

Contrast and compare Hunstanton's sea defences, examining the effectiveness of the different design.

Duration of Module: Half Day

Coastal Studies: Mini Rivers, From Source to Mouth

Explore a meandering river system form source to mouth. Watch the erosion happening before your very eyes and examine how rivers work and move as they travel towards the sea.

The retreating tide on Hunstanton beach leaves large pools of water that gradually flow out towards the sea allowing us to witness a whole river system in miniature. Children will the opportunity to carry out basic river engineering work such as re-directing river courses, building flood defences and bank profiles. A great, fun way to learn about rivers.

Duration of Module: Half Day

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Health and Safety

All our education staff working for Natural England are CRB checked.

First Aid provision remain the responsibility of the school. However our education staff are qualified to provide first aid and will carry a kit.

Risk assessments on all activities are carried out in accordance with Norfolk county Council and 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, should we need to go outside.

Transport

Schools will need o make their own arrangements to meet the Community Outreach Adviser at the site, on the chosen date. All coastal studies packages are dependent on the tides.

All Coastal Studies Modules take place at Hunstanton. Schools that are interested in studying a module from this selection, will will make their own way to Hunstanton where the Commumunity Outreach Officer will meet them at the coachl car park near the promenade.

Prices and Booking

Please ring our Education Officer on 01553 818503 to book and discuss how we may complement and enrich your curriculum objectives further. Alternatively email at Sonia.Reveley@naturalengland.org.uk

1 module: £1 per child

2 modules: £2 per child

Teachers and helpers come along for free. All resources and use of the equipment is included in the price.

Prices for all modules are the same unless otherwise stated.

All modules are aimed at Key Stage 1 & 2 unless otherwise stated.

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To request further details pleaser contact the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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NATURAL ENGLAND   HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

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May Half Term

Natural England's 'Welcome to the Wash National Nature Reserve'

Tuesday, 1st June,

12pm - 3pm

Come along anytime from 12 pm, bring along a picnic, enjoy the beauty of the Wash and learn more about this wonderful habitat and its wildlife. Make and Take activity available, £1 per activity.

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Saltmarsh Discovery on the Wash

Wednesday 2nd June

2pm

Learn about the Wash National Nature Reserve. Have a go at dissecting Owl Pellets to find out what an owl eats and make plaster casts of bird prints found onsite.

Meet at Point Green car park (through the docks, pass Dow Chemicals and along the river) or follow the leader in your car from the Green Quay centre.

Free

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Wash Creatures at the Green Quay

Thursday 3rd June

10am – 4pm

Delve into the hidden world of the Wash and learn about the marine animals that live there. Make seahorses pencil tops, porthole windows and sea slugs.

Drop in session, 50p per activity

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Weekend events with Natural England and the Borough Council

Special Sand Sculpture Competition

Saturday 5th June

2.30pm - 5pm

Judging at 5.30pm

'Make a special sand sculpture of a marine animal or bird'

Meet on the Green, near the North promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk

No need to book, just turn up. Event is suitable for families. Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

This event is ran in partnership with the King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council

For more information please contact Jackie Squires at the Borough council on 01553 616657

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The Shark Trust 'Great Egg Hunt: Hunt for Mermaid's Purse

Sunday 6th of June

10.30am - 12.30pm

Meet on the Green, near the North promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk

No need to book, just turn up. Event is suitable for families. Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

This event is ran in partnership with the King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council

For more information please contact Jackie Squires at the Borough council on 01553 616657

2010 Natural England Summer Programme

Ocean in a box,

Saturday 24 th July

10am – 4pm

Create your own ocean scene in a box and learn about what lives under the Wash.

Meet at the Green Quay Centre- Wash Discovery Centre

Drop in session, 50p per activity

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Welcome to the Wash National Nature Reserve,

Sunday 25 th July,

12 pm – 3 pm

Come along anytime from 12 pm, bring along a picnic, enjoy the beauty of the Wash and learn more about this wonderful habitat and its wildlife. Make and Take activity available, £1 per activity.

Meet on the sea wall on the Wash National Nature Reserve ( near Sutton Bridge (Winglands), the beginning of the Sir Peter Scott Walk ). Car park is by the East Lighthouse.

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Welcome to the Wash National Nature Reserve

Wednesday 28 th July,

12 pm – 3 pm

Come along anytime from 12 pm, bring along a picnic, enjoy the beauty of the Wash and learn more about this wonderful habitat and its wildlife. Make and Take activity available, £1 per activity.

Meet on the Point Green broad walk (through the docks, pass Dow chemicals and along the river). Car parking is available. Limited spaces please ring to book.

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Flying insects on the Wash

Tuesday 3rd of August

2pm – 4pm

Learn about the bugs and insects that visit the Wash and have fun creating winged insects that use the Wash National Nature Reserve out of card, paper and tissue paper.

Meet on the sea wall on the Wash National Nature Reserve (near Sutton Bridge (Winglands), the beginning of the Sir Peter Scott Walk). Car park is by the East Lighthouse.

Free (Arrive anytime from 2pm)

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Wash Creatures

Thursday 5 th August

10am – 4pm

Delve into the hidden world of the Wash and learn about the marine animals that live there. Make seahorses pencil tops, porthole windows and sea slugs.

Drop in session. 50p per activity

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Animals, tracks and signs

Monday 9 th August

11 am

Be a nature detective, identify birds and animals tracks and learn what an owl eats through our special owl pellet investigations . Plaster casts will be made of any tracks that you might find which can then be taken home.

Meet at Point Green car park (through the docks, pass Dow chemicals and along the river) or follow the leader in your car from the Green Quay centre.

  For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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See the Sea Creatures on a rock pool ramble

Tuesday 10 th August

10.30 am

Meet on the Green, near the North promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk

No need to book, just turn up. Event is suitable for families. Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

This event is ran in partnership with the King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council

Free

  For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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See the Sea Creatures on a rock pool ramble

Wednesday 11 th August

11 am

Meet on the Green, near the North promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk

No need to book, just turn up. Event is suitable for families. Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

This event is ran in partnership with the King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council

Free 

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Fossil hunting

Thursday 12 th August

10.30 am – 12.30 pm

No need to book, just turn up. Meet on Hunstanton Beach, by the cliff.

For more information please call the Hunstanton Civic Society on 01485 532223

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Photograph trail on the Wash,

Tuesday 17 th August,

10 am

Be a detective and get up close and personal to the world, using a camera or just your eyes.

Bring your own camera so that you can take your own photos or something similar.

Meet at the Wash NNR, Sutton Bridge (Winglands)car park by the East Lighthouse (the beginning of the Sir Peter Scott Walk)

Free

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Saltmarsh in a box,

Saturday 21 st August,

12 pm -3 pm

Bring along a picnic; learn how a saltmarsh is formed, then make your own piece of saltmarsh to take home with you.

Meet on the sea wall on the Wash National Nature Reserve (near Sutton Bridge(Winglands), the beginning of the Sir Peter Scott Walk). Car park is by the East Lighthouse.

Free (Arrive anytime from 12 pm)

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Wash Creatures at the Green Quay,

Thursday 26 th August

10am – 4pm

Delve into the hidden world of the Wash and learn about the marine animals that live there. Make seahorses pencil tops, porthole windows and sea slugs.

Drop in session, 50p per activity

For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on 01553 818503.

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Ocean in a box

Monday 30 th August

10am – 4pm

Create your own ocean scene in a box and learn about what lives under the Wash.

Meet at the Green Quay Centre- Wash Discovery Centre

Drop in session, 50p per activity

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For more information please call the Community Outreach Officer on

01553 818503.

All activities are suitable for families. Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

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