How to book
Booking your self-led reserve visit couldn’t be easier.
Go to our booking page and following the steps to request a visit to one of our reserves.
Feature
FREE self-led reserve visits
Take your pupils’ learning to another place. We have lots of resources to help you plan and lead a day of learning on an RSPB nature reserve.
On this page
Why visit a reserve with your class?
RSPB nature reserves are inspirational spaces where you can adapt learning in a way that works for you and your pupils. Full of nature and easy to navigate, they’re a contrast to your school grounds. You could take part in RSPB activities as part of your Wild Challenge award, or to enrich a wide range of curriculum subjects, including science, geography, art, English and more.
Our varied habitats will inspire conversation, vocabulary and questioning, alongside real-world opportunities for learning and skills development.
Time spent in nature has positive outcomes for children’s learning, health, and wellbeing – as well as engagement with lessons. Research shows that experiential learning in nature is enriching and inclusive.
Which reserves can you visit?
Reserves in England
Rainham Marshes
Purfleet, Thurrock
Just east of London, Rainham Marshes is a large area of wetland with natural grassland and woodland habitats to discover.
Find out more information on Rainham Marshes
Sandwell Valley
Hamstead, Birmingham
Get closer to nature just a few miles from Birmingham at Sandwell Valley. There’s a large range of natural habitats to enjoy, including wildflower meadows, lakes, marshes, and woodlands.
Find out more information on Sandwell Valley
St Aidan's
Great Preston, Leeds
Southeast of Leeds, West Yorkshire, in the Aire Valley is St Aidan's Nature Park. Explore different habitats including wetland, meadows and woodland on this former open cast mining site.
Find out more information on St Aidans
Reserves in Scotland
Loch Leven
Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland
A mix of woodlands & wetlands on the banks of Loch Leven in Perth and Kinross, with views of the Loch and a many different habitats to explore.
Find out more about Loch Leven.
Reserves in Wales
South Stack
Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey, North Wales
On the northwestern coast of Ynys Mon (Isle of Anglesey) South Stack has rocky sea cliffs, healthland and farmland to discover.
Find out more about South Stack.
Self-led resources
We have some great ideas for activities that work well across all our reserves and links to some suggested resources for your visit.
The RSPB also provides pre- and post-visit activities to help prepare and follow up on your learning.
Some activities can be repeated in your school grounds to provide a comparison with your findings on the reserve. We can also give you inspiration on how to make your school grounds more wildlife friendly.