Ferry Meadows Outdoor Education Centre Cambridgeshire

Ferry Meadows Outdoor Education Centre, set in the beautiful 1,700 acres of Nene Park in Cambridgeshire, offers two fantastic ways for students of all ages to learn and explore the great outdoors. The first is through curriculum-based outdoor learning activities that bring school subjects to life in a fun, hands-on way, tying in with national curriculum requirements at all levels. Alongside this, schools can enjoy exciting land and water adventures all year round at Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre. It’s all about trying new things, building new skills, and most importantly, having lots of fun surrounded by nature!

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Led by a friendly team of experienced and qualified instructors, the Ferry Meadows education team have extensive experience working with schools and students of all ages. We specialise in outdoor education, offering curriculum-based activities across a variety of environments, including lakes, woodlands, wetlands and a dedicated forest school site. We also offer agricultural field trips for A-Level Biology and Key Stage 3 & 4 Geography students.

Our fully-equipped Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre provides excellent facilities for land and water adventures, all within a safe and engaging environment. Visits can be tailored to meet specific requirements, and schools have exclusive access to indoor education spaces during their time with us. There’s also the option to extend your visits with our private campsites.

We welcome back local schools year after year to experience the combination of adventure, nature and outdoor education at Ferry Meadows, where students not only build their knowledge, but also gain valuable skills, confidence and lasting memories.

• LOtC Quality Badge
• AAIAC Adventure Mark
• RYA Training Centre
• AALA Licensed

The Ferry Meadows education team offer a range of curriculum based outdoor learning activities and outdoor adventure days designed to tie in with national requirements at all levels. Teachers can choose from a selection of themed days developed to target specific curriculum areas or, with the help of our knowledgeable staff, can select from a wide range of activities to create a day tailored to individual requirements. Your visit will include:

• Exclusive use of one of our indoor education spaces
• All activities led by friendly, experienced and qualified instructors 
• All equipment and materials included 
• Full risk assessments for all activities
• Free places for accompanying adults
• Links to national curriculum requirements at all levels: Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5
• Wide range of study locations including; lakes, river, woodland, grassland, wetland

Group sizes can vary from 12 to 150 students, with activities designed to suit children of all ages and abilities. 

All materials and resources are provided for use during your visit. We also offer self-led visits where teachers can hire resource packs to guide their own explorations of Ferry Meadows.

Photography and filming is permitted – we also ask groups for photography and filming permission when you book with us.

You’ll find our risk and hazard assessments on our website here.

Please send your enquiries and booking requests to education@neneparktrust.org.uk.  A member of our education team will respond with all the relevant information.

Prices vary based on the type of activity, the duration of your visit, and the number of students attending. For a tailored quote, please email us at education@neneparktrust.org.uk.

We also offer free places for all accompanying adults.

As our activities are based outside, it’s likely students will get wet and muddy depending on the weather. We recommend bringing a spare change of clothes, and dressing appropriately for the time of year. Don’t worry though, we’ll send you a specific list depending on the activities you book with us. 

All of our education team are fully first aid trained.

• Indoor education spaces
• Indoor and outdoor areas for eating packed lunches
• Two on-site cafés 
• Toilets
• Changing Places facility
• Changing areas
• Showers
• Visitor Centre for buying souvenirs

Ferry Meadows is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly paths, ramps and a Changing Places facility. We offer specialised equipment to ensure that individuals with a range of disabilities can participate in activities. Our instructors are experienced in supporting SEN students and groups, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.

Open weekdays throughout the year.

Sawtry Village Academy, July 2024

It was all very well organised, the students had a great time. They had a fantastic time and were buzzing all the way back to Sawtry. They were very much a nurture group so having the opportunity to learn new skills while also working together was great for them. I’m sure I will be back again soon!

Fleet Wood Lane Primary School, June 2024

The activities were perfect for my Year 1 learners. Level was pitched just right and Vicky was amazing with the children.

Pinchbeck East CE Primary Academy, June 2023

The day was really well organised and the activities were appropriate to our learners.  The children and staff really enjoyed the day.

Ferry Meadows Outdoor Education Centre is operated by Nene Park Trust, a Peterborough-based charity shaping happy, healthy spaces to meet, explore and grow.