Education
We want every child from West Cumbria to be able to experience their watery worlds. We’re on a mission to inspire, support and empower children and young people to have an instinctive connection and a deep-seated love for the natural world; not only will they reap the enormous benefits nature has to offer us, but they will care for and cherish these spaces for the rest of their lives.
We inspire thousands of children and young people every year through our activities.
Let nature be your teacher
William Wordsworth
Our core activities are featured below, but we can adapt all our activities to your needs.
There’s so many ways to get involved – dive straight in!
We worked with 1,335 children in 2023
We worked with 1,335 children in 2023
We worked with 1,335 children in 2023
Wild River Days (aimed at KS2)
We offer a two-day programme with a full day in the classroom and a full day field-trip to a river focussing on Science and Geography, with opportunities to also do some Literacy, Art and team-work activities. We investigate the human impacts on rivers as well as freshwater wildlife. If required we can adapt this session to KS1.
We can offer these workshops free to many West Cumbrian schools thanks to the generous support of our funders.
“The children had a wonderful time and it was lovely seeing smiles on children’s faces who sometimes get overwhelmed or stressed in the classroom.”
Orgill Primary School
“I had the best birthday ever. I’ve never paddled before. I wanted to sleep there. It was the best trip, I want to go back.”
A child’s feedback on their Wild River Days experience
We delivered 276 Forest School sessions in 2023
We delivered 276 Forest School sessions in 2023
We delivered 276 Forest School sessions in 2023
Forest School
Forest School is an inspirational learning process. Sessions are learner-centred taking place over a period of time supporting play, exploration and risk-taking. It’s a way of working with people using nature, the outdoors and practical activities to develop confidence, self-esteem, resilience and a sense of achievement.
By working closely with local young people, we are creating a deeper connection with nature and fostering a lifelong love and respect for the environment.
All sessions are delivered by qualified practitioners and we use high quality woodland settings, such as Walkmill Community Woodlands and Longlands Lake.
“Some of these children will never have experienced the freedom of outdoor play. [They have] absolutely loved the experience.”
Howgill Family Centre
We are currently delivering Forest School as part of a number of WCRT projects including ‘Wilder Walkmill’, ‘Well-Being in the Woods’, ‘Longlands Lake’, and also in association with other partner organisations such as Bee Unique and Howgill Family Centre.
We currently have no capacity to offer additional Forest School sessions, but occasional opportunities do arise. If you’d like to talk to us about Forest Schools or to express an interest for future Forest School projects please email Emma Jenkinson, Learning and Engagement Officer.
Greener Grounds: turning school grounds into nature’s playgrounds
Bringing nature into schools across Whitehaven and Egremont
Greener Grounds is a fully funded programme supporting primary and secondary schools to create vibrant, wildlife-friendly spaces while tackling climate challenges like flooding.
Our team works alongside teachers and students to design and deliver a bespoke plan for each school, tailored to its needs and surroundings.
What We Offer:
Planting for Nature – trees, hedgerows, wildflowers, herbs, and bulbs to boost biodiversity
Water Management – water butts, pond creation and sustainable drainage (rain planters and rain gardens) to help prevent school grounds flooding and slow the flow of water to our rivers
Wildlife Habitats – ponds, willow hides, bug and bird boxes to encourage nature on-site
We provide:
Funding, advice, and practical support
Curriculum-linked outdoor learning opportunities
Help for schools to meet the Department for Education’s 2025 climate action goals
If your school would like to get involved, contact Learning and Engagement Officer Mia Ambrose.
Freshwater Safari
Explore, Discover, and Protect Local Freshwater Habitats
What’s Involved?
The programme consists of six sessions, which can be delivered as a full series or as standalone activities chosen by teachers.
Use orienteering maps to navigate your surroundings
Take part in pond or river dipping to explore freshwater wildlife
Learn about migration and hibernation through fun, interactive activities
Classify plants and animals, enhancing their scientific knowledge
Understand woodland fire safety and sustainability
Get involved in conservation work, such as tree planting, balsam bashing, or litter picking (seasonal activities available)
“Freshwater Safari is the latest addition to our education offer and it’s terrific fun for children and a great hands-on learning activity.”
Mia Ambrose, Learning & Engagement Officer, WCRT
Fully Funded for Schools
This programme is fully funded for schools within the Egremont and Whitehaven districts (excluding transport).
If your school would like to get involved, contact Learning and Engagement Officer Mia Ambrose.
Forest School
Forest School is an inspirational learning process. Sessions are learner-centred taking place over a period of time supporting play, exploration and risk-taking. It’s a way of working with people using nature, the outdoors and practical activities to develop confidence, self-esteem, resilience and a sense of achievement.
By working closely with local young people, we are creating a deeper connection with nature and fostering a lifelong love and respect for the environment.
All sessions are delivered by qualified practitioners and we use high quality woodland settings, such as Walkmill Community Woodlands and Longlands Lake.
“Some of these children will never have experienced the freedom of outdoor play. [They have] absolutely loved the experience.”
Howgill Family Centre
We are currently delivering Forest School as part of a number of WCRT projects including ‘Wilder Walkmill’, ‘Well-Being in the Woods’, ‘Longlands Lake’, and also in association with other partner organisations such as Bee Unique and Howgill Family Centre.
We currently have no capacity to offer additional Forest School sessions, but occasional opportunities do arise. If you’d like to talk to us about Forest Schools or to express an interest for future Forest School projects please email Emma Jenkinson, Learning and Engagement Officer.
Additional education offers
Practical Conservation
A chance to be part of the movement to improve our freshwater spaces. Help contribute to a national data set to help build a picture of river health across the country.
Secondary Schools
Through the Longlands Lake project, we’re creating a new programme of work for secondary schools and youth groups in the Whitehaven area.
We also deliver bespoke activities for secondary schools and can tailor our offering around your requirements. Please get in touch via the contact form below.
Get in touch
Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can about your enquiry.
Please note that this is not confirmation of a booking and a member of staff will be in touch with you to confirm details. Please note our staff work varying hours across multiple locations so will get back to you as soon as they can.
Our funders
Support our work
Without the help of our fantastic supporters, we’d be up the creek!