RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve

Immerse your class in hands-on learning with an educational visit to our fabulous nature reserve, an urban wildlife oasis just a stone’s throw from England’s second city, Birmingham.

Our welcoming visitor centre awaits, equipped with modern facilities including an education space and beautiful picture windows with a view over Forge Mill Lake.

Inspire your class with a range of exciting sessions led by RSPB education professionals. Children of all abilities will be captivated by hands-on learning in a range of stunning habitats.  There will be plenty of “wow” moments as they delve into the depths of our ponds, marvel at our Minibeast Meadow and wander through our woodlands.  It’s a great opportunity to inspire your class to talk about their science and geography learning while fully engaging in the great outdoors.

We have curriculum linked half or full day teaching units. 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 about two hours. Sessions run from approximately 10am to 12pm and then 12.30 to 2.30pm. Two programmes can be combined to make a whole-day visit.

Our sessions are linked to the curriculum and take place in our wonderful haven for nature.

Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve is a peaceful haven for nature situated less than five miles from the centre of Birmingham. With teaching ponds, minibeast meadows and hide on stilts, it is a wonderful setting for a memorable learning experience. The range of habitats within easy reach means that we can provide investigative fieldwork and experience led programmes to suit your group’s needs.

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.

We offer a range of exciting, hands-on nature-based learning experiences for EYFS, KS1 and KS2.  Investigate our minibeast meadow or explore our pond habitats.  Perhaps you’d like to visit our lakeside hide and learn all about the brilliant birds that make Sandwell Valley their home?  Children can use their senses to discover the sights, sounds and smells of our beautiful Wildlife Garden or navigate around the reserve to find the River Tame and learn all about its features and history.  Please visit our website for more information on the sessions available (Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve | School Trip Ideas – The RSPB)  If you have any specific requirements, please contact our learning officer to discuss, we’ll always try to adapt our sessions to best meet the needs of your learners.

We’re able to work with groups of up to sixty children.

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.

Modern visitor centre featuring an education space with its own handwashing facilities, accessible toilets and baby changing unit available. Light refreshments are available to purchase.  Groups can eat their lunch in the centre or on picnic tables in the Wildlife Garden.

Accessible building with disabled toilet facilities

We’re open Tuesday-Sunday and on bank holiday Mondays. Opening hours are 10am – 4pm from October to March and 10am-4:30pm April to September.

Really informative and well run. Very knowledgeable staff. Really enjoyed by all – thank you! – The Blue Coat School

The visit was really beneficial, thank you for being so accommodating and flexible to meet the children’s needs. – Yew Tree Community School

All the children really enjoyed themselves. It was a great way to bring the topic to life. – St James CE Primary School