Learning Projects

Somerset Wildlife Trust runs a number of different learning projects aimed at encouraging a greater interest and involvement with the natural world. The projects are all tailored to work with specific groups to help young people develop skills, knowledge and understanding related to wildlife and the natural environment.

My Mendip Hills

My Mendip Hills is a project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, aimed at promoting the unique, diverse, environmentally and historically rich landscape of the Mendip Hills to local primary schools and communities. Pupils from primary schools in the Mendip Hills have the chance to learn about, discover and explore local nature reserves through fun and inspiring visits.

The range of natural spaces and habitats on the Mendip Hills provides opportunities for schools to explore the natural world through a variety of activities such as invertebrate hunts, habitat walks and environmental games. Young people will know more about their local landscape, will understand its environmental and historic importance, and will be encouraged to take practical steps to help protect it.

Find out more about the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Go Wild

Learning is not all about school, in fact it is far more than just school. Here at Somerset Wildlife Trust we believe that learning should be exhilarating, exciting, interesting and just plain fun. We also believe that everyone, no matter what age, can join in learning. Our Go Wild project, funded by the Big Lottery, aims to get families out and about in the countryside and enjoying wildlife based activities and events together.

Go Wild supports Wildlife Watch groups and runs great family events that get families working, and learning, together in new and inspiring environments. Activities vary from location to location but might include bush craft activities, pond dipping, building invertebrate mansions or going on a bat walk. Families can even work towards wildlife awards to help structure their learning and have something to show for their work.

Find out more about the Big Lottery Fund.

Children in Need

Through generous support from BBC Children in Need and the Triangle Trust, we have been successfully running a three year environmental education project working with young people unable to access mainstream education. Many of the young people have additional education needs which make attendance within a mainstream classroom difficult. As a result they are often sidelined and miss out on many activities that help them develop intellectually, socially and emotionally.

Somerset Wildlife Trust works closely with these individuals to help develop group work and communication skills, experience improved self esteem and self confidence and, enjoy a more positive model of learning. This is achieved through a carefully planned programme of environmental activities including practical tasks such as coppicing and scrub clearance as well as more traditional learning sessions such as pond dipping and habitat comparison.

Over time groups are able to develop skills over time, build in confidence and gain a greater understanding of the natural environment. Young people build positive relationships with their peers and teachers and display improved behaviour and engagement with the tasks.

Find out more about BBC Children in Need.

Photo credit: Phil Curd