RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve

Immerse your class in hands-on learning with an educational school visit to RSPB Rye Meads nature reserve.

At Rye Meads we use the natural world to engage and inspire learners from nursery age to A-level, to observe, investigate and explore the world around them. With our purpose-built educational facilities, we can explore ponds, bird hides, minibeasts, plants and more. All sessions are aligned to the National curriculum and cover areas such as: identifying plants and animals in their local environment, grouping, comparing and classifying, adaptations, habitats, food chains, plants the senses and more.

For Secondary and A-level students we conduct investigations into freshwater invertebrates, adaptations and species diversity and cover fieldwork skills, such as using dichotomous keys and quadrats.

All our sessions are led by RSPB education professionals who are specialists in their field and able to engage all abilities, while helping you meet your learning objectives.

It’s a great opportunity to inspire your children to talk about their science and geography learning while fully engaging in the great outdoors.

We have half or full day sessions to suit children from foundation phase to through to A Level. Our sessions are varied and well-paced and aim to get pupils working scientifically and using technical vocabulary in context. We also aim to build pupils’ resilience and character through our fun and active sessions.

Each programme is designed to last two hours. Sessions run from 10am to 12pm and then 12.30 to 2.30pm. Two programmes can be combined to make a whole-day visit.

At Rye Meads we have a variety of habitats and educational facilities which allows students to experience a range of inspiring activities. Our site is accessible for all. Visiting teachers are invited to subscribe to our e-newsletter which contains useful projects and teacher blogs to support continued work outside the classroom.

We have the LOtC Quality Badge.

At Rye Meads our sessions are tailored to the age group of the children. At Primary age, schools typically pick 2 different sessions, completing one in the morning and one in the afternoon, although half day options are available.

At Secondary level the focus is on investigation and fieldwork skills, whilst also learning about and experiencing the wildlife at the reserve. We can adapt sessions to fit the requirements of your exam board, please contact us for more details on this.

We also offer adapted sessions to special schools, again please contact us to discuss.

Up to 60 children in one day. We are sometimes able to accommodate groups of up to 90 children, please contact us to discuss.

We use our RSPB age appropriate resources and equipment to support our curriculum linked sessions. See the session outlines on our website.

We also have a wealth of teacher resources and ideas to continue your learning journey with us. You will find more information on our website.

Schools are welcome to take photographs of their own children.

A generic risk assessment is available on the website.

Please contact our Learning Officer using the email above.

Full details of pricing can be found on our website.

Although we have a classroom, our sessions are held outdoors so we recommend students are dressed appropriately for the weather. This may be waterproof boots and raincoats, or it may be sunhats and sunblock cream.

RSPB Learning staff are first aid trained to Appointed Persons status and will carry a basic first aid kit.

We have indoor and outdoor picnic areas, lunch storage areas, toilets including accessible, indoor and outdoor classrooms.

We have a small selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks available for adults to purchase. Children will need to bring a packed lunch with them.

All our paths are accessible and there is step free access throughout the reserve. We have an accessible toilet.

Schools sessions are offered on weekdays during term time.

“Outstanding introduction to my new topic – the children were immersed in their learning and I will be able to draw on their experiences for a series of lessons.”

“Amazing as always, well trained staff, excellent facilities and fabulous setting with educational activities.”

Thank you so much for making the day so memorable and educational for the children. It was great to have such a range of activities for them to be involved in from hunting for minibeasts to acting!  The visit fitted perfectly with the National Curriculum and every child was able to access the whole experience regardless of their ability or needs.

The children had a lovely day exploring the reserve. The children shared and learnt lots of new facts. The adults including parent helpers were very impressed with the sessions and how the trip was run