Education Service

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park offers an environmental education programme to primary schools and other groups all year round. The education programme offers children a chance to take part and appreciate their natural surroundings while learning about the environment.

The ranger-led activities below give a taste of what to expect during a session with the experienced Ranger Service. If, however, there are particular topics/areas you would like the ranger on the day to cover they will be more than happy to try and help. 

For a full list of the activities offered, facilities, FAQ's and booking procedure please open the following document Education Pack 

                            Pond Dipping

Water is an exciting habitat, there is a huge diversity of pond life that can be found at Cosmeston. The children will be amazed to see what they can catch with a net in our dipping pond; stickleback fish, water boatmen, dragonfly nymphs, water scorpions, whirligig beetles and lots more. 

After a demonstration by the ranger, the children will work in groups, taking it in turns to dip with a net and put the creatures in a tray. Towards the end of the session the ranger will help identify and inform the children all about the creatures they have caught.

                                  Activity Time: 1 hour
                               Maximum group size: 30

                                                                                                                                  Bug Hunting

During the spring and summer, mini beasts can be found everywhere. Children will be amazed at the diversity they will discover. Some they might find fascinating; others scary.

The children will be given a small bug pot to collect bugs from under wood piles, leaf litter and rocks. These will include: woodlice, ground beetles, centipedes, millipedes and worms. Towards the end of the session, the ranger will help identify and inform the children all about the creatures they have caught.

                             Activity Time: 1 hour
                           Maximum group size: 30

                     Discovering Habitats

At Cosmeston lakes, we are lucky to have many different habitats and associated wildlife. During a walk around the east lake, the ranger will take the children through four different habitats.

The children will learn what a habitat is, and are encouraged to use visual identification skills to try and identify the type of habitat they are passing through. During the session, the children will also be asked to suggest the types of animal and plant life they would expect to find in each habitat and what adaptations if any they would need to live there. 

                                Activity Time: 1 hour
                              Maximum group size 30

                                                                                                                      Past and Present Land Use

The land use activity involves a walk around the east lake with the ranger, who will tell the children all about the history of the country park. The children will be encouraged to use visual identification of the landscape and describe its shape and form. 

The children will be asked questions on how the land would have looked at various stages in the past, and whether the man-made environment today has been an improvement. The children will also be invited to suggest what they would change to improve the country park today.

                               Activity Time: 1 hour
                            Maximum group size: 30

                      Nature Walk and Talk

The nature walk and talk activity involves a walk around the east lake. The ranger will start the session with a quick overview on the history of the country park. The walk is very relaxed and there is always plenty to be seen. The ranger will tell the children all about the wildlife, and also give some information about plants, trees and habitats.

The children are encouraged to ask questions and to try and identify any of the wildlife for themselves. This activity is a good introduction to the countryside and the country park.  

Activity Time: 1 hour

Maximum group size: 30

Orienteering Routes

There are three orienteering routes to choose from, depending on how adventurous you are. They are perfect for learning map-reading skills. The children have to use the map to find red and white posts located in the country park. This activity is self-led for schools to explore separately without the need for a ranger. The routes can be completed individually or in groups, and can be non-competitive or a timed competition.

Nature Trail

The nature trail is a question and answer activity located on a walk around the east lake. The questions are changed regularly with the seasons. This activity is self-led for schools to explore separately without the need for a ranger. The nature trail can be completed individually or in groups.

School visits can also be arranged to the Medieval Village located within the country park. Groups can also alternate between both these facilities during the day. For more information and a full list of activity fees and charges, please contact the visitor centre on: 029 2070 1678.