Using Nature to Learn

The learning options available at Woodland Valley are limitless. The following are ideas to help you understand how we can assist you inspire and educate your young people. If there is a subject matter not covered below please speak to us about it. We are sure we would be able to facilitate your requirements!

Woodland Habitats

Comparing broadleaved woodland at Woodland Valley with intensively managed commercial conifer plantations nearby, assessing management objectives and practices.

Organic vs Conventional Farming

Giving students a balanced and informed view of the pros and cons of organic farming, including the differing impacts they make in terms of bio-diversity, soil and water quality, nutrient cycles, food quality and economics.

Sustainability

Renewable energy, large-scale vs local energy generation and use. Assessment of the farm’s suitability for a range of technologies and assessment of the existing renewables being used.

Water Quality

The River Fal catchment has a wide range of land uses, including mining, industrial and agriculture, students can relate to issues of ecosystems, resource management as well as animal and human health.

Settlements

Local towns and villages display very different characteristics, in the context of history and more recent town and country planning issues, students will gain an understanding of changing economic and social pressures.

Coastal Processes

The North and South Cornish coasts are each only 25 minutes away and offer great opportunities for studying a range of coastal processes and littoral ecosystems. The impact of human activity and intervention past present and future may also be assessed.

Mining

Past and present mining activity may be examined, giving students the opportunity to judge the economic and environmental impacts of mining, as well as study the resulting specialised habitats that have been created.

Food Walks

Wild food foraging

Engaging, educational and interactive, Food Walks are a great ‘hands-on’ activity, teaching children about modern and historical uses, names and health benefits of many different plants. Linking with the national curriculum (Science and PSHE) and the healthy schools standard (healthy eating and physical activity), these walks are a valuable addition to in-school activities.

Edible Plant Walks for Children

(Alternative name: Dinosaur Plant Walk)

Hear some ‘plant stories’, learn which plants both animals and humans can eat and which ones to stay away from. Come and see the ‘bread and cheese’ tree, guess which weed is called the ‘Lion’s Tooth’ and discover what plants have been around since the time of the dinosaurs and much more!

Wild Food Walks for young people

Become a wild food forager and learn to look for and recognise different edible plants, flowers, seeds and berries. Find out what our ancestors survived on, and whether bread can really be made from acorns! Full of interesting facts and tasty ideas.

National Curriculum

Key Stage 1. Science ~ Humans and Other Animals

Key Stage 2. Science ~ Observational Art, Interdependence and Adaptation

Topics covered include; using and identifying the senses, plants for growth and good health, modern medicines and plants, respecting nature, how plants grow and multiply, learning about the seasons and how plants and people have adapted.

Art and Creativity Workshops

Accessible art workshops for anyone who likes to discover or develop their creative side. This is suitable for both artists and beginners. Workshops available include, Art and the Senses; Expressive Art; Art and Meditation; Observational Art and Land-based/Environmental Art. Workshops can be tailored to meet your needs.

Art and the Senses

Focusing on the senses as an inspirational starting point, you will spend time inside and out exploring the natural environment through touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell. You will then translate your experiences into two-dimensional images or ‘on-site’ land art.

Expressive Art

Focusing on creativity and expression, this is a fun approach, allowing you to explore your imagination and learn simple techniques for creating art from thoughts, ideas, or feelings. This is an unpressured workshop using colour, shape and expressive mask makings.

Art and Meditation

You will learn how art can be used as a focus for meditation and how meditation can be used to focus and create art. An imaginative and up-lifting workshop.

Land-based / Environmental Art

You will be creating artwork from natural and found materials (think Andy Goldsworthy!). Creating using assemblage, colour and seasonal plants.