Natural England - Holkham: school and community groups

Holkham: school and community groups

Holkham National Nature Reserve offers exciting and engaging outdoor learning opportunities for schools.

A youth group visiting Holkham NNR © Natural England

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

  • Spectacular habitats to explore

  • Curriculum-linked sessions

  • Equipment such as minibeast pots and binoculars available for use on site

Primary school visits

Sessions are linked to the curriculum and support the Every Child Matters agenda and Learning outside the Classroom initiative. Biodiversity work can be credited towards the Eco School award scheme.

All the activities can be adapted to suit the particular needs of the children and tailored to your schemes of work.

Primary schools programme: (313kb)pdf document

Early Year curriculum links visits: (161kb)pdf document

Primary curriculum links: (238kb)pdf document

Secondary school visits

Many secondary schools visit the dunes and beach at Holkham and Wells-next-the-sea for self-led fieldwork. Whilst this is welcome, please note that there is no coach parking at the Holkham Estate car park at Lady Anne’s Drive, Holkham.

It would help greatly, especially during busy summer months, if you could notify us of your visit.

Survey work

Students can take part in purposeful survey work led by Holkham NNR's Outreach Adviser.

  • Beach litter – Litter on beaches and at sea is a threat to marine life and a survey of one of Norfolk’s most stunning beaches is a real eye-opener!

  • Coastal wildlife – Participate in species survey work to identify and record the fascinating animals and plants of the sea and shore.

Secondary schools programme: (251kb)pdf document

Youth group visits

Young people can take part in Badge work or practical conservation sessions at Holkham NNR. Activities can be adapted to suit the particular ages and needs of the children.

Large (up to 100 people) or small scale events welcome

Camping and Youth Hostel facilities are available nearby

Youth group visit opportunities: (343kb)pdf document

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. It is still a good idea to include waterproofs for British weather though!

Toilets: at Wells-next-the-sea beach car park and in the pinewood area.

Health and safety: (93kb)pdf document: It is the schools' responsibility to ensure adequate pupil:adult ratios, with appropriate CRB checks in place for adults on the visit. Holkham NNR Outreach staff and volunteers all have CRB checks and first aid training. A first aid kit will be available. The lead teacher should have access to all the pupil permission/contact/health details, but any relevant health issues, e.g. wasp sting allergies, should be made known to the Outreach Adviser in advance. Although an activity programme can be arranged over the phone or by e-mail, a teacher pre-visit to Holkham NNR is recommended to gain a clear understanding of the site and establish the objectives of the visit. See Notes for Teachers: (301kb)pdf document.

Access: the pinewoods area at Wells-next-the-sea has gently undulating unmade paths through the NNR although the dunes and beach are difficult to access here for wheelchair users. There is an easy access route from the Holkham entrance. Please make us aware of access or other needs when planning your visit so that we can accommodate these.

Directions: education visits are led from the Wells-next-the-sea beach car park. NR23 1DR. A meeting place on arrival will be prearranged. Free coach parking is available next to the Old Station pottery in Polka Road, Wells-next-the-Sea.

How to book: for more information or to book a school session please contact Catherine Foreman 07825377652, or e-mail catherine.foreman@naturalengland.org.uk