The Hive School Trips
Risk Assessments
Resource Packs
LOtC Quality Badge
Institute of Outdoor Learning
Creative sessions aim not only to help develop young people’s creative thinking, expression and practical abilities, but also help bring other areas of the curriculum the life. For example, making pictures and patterns using materials available around them and investigating their differing properties. Using brushes to paint mud onto a tree, examining the bark, structure of the roots and sparking discussions about what we use trees for and why they are so important to our environment.
Suntrap's outdoor activities help to promote an active lifestyle for the future and demonstrate the importance of physical well-being. Engaging in the kinds of fun-filled, competitive challenges that Suntrap provides build character and confidence as well as embed values like fairness and respect.
Our bespoke programmes are designed to build confidence and encourage teamwork using the stunning Epping Forest as a catalyst for positive outcomes.
We keep and care for a wide range of animals suitable for handling these include reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, birds and a variety of invertebrates. We provide them with enclosures that mimic their natural environment as much as possible and include necessary stimulation. Visit our special scientific sites of interest, check our ponds, bug hotels, bird and bat boxes and become Habitat Hunters for animals of all shapes and sizes.
Bush craft sessions aim to improve communications skills, resilience and environmental awareness. The activities can include how to safely make and light a fire using natural materials, water purification, cooking, camouflage and concealment as well as building a shelter. Each session is different and focused specifically on your age group and learning outcomes.
The outdoors provides the perfect environment for young people to experience and observe the natural world around them, noticing seasonal phenomena, patterns and grouping things such as plants, types of animals and habitats. We encourage them to explore, be curious and ask questions. For example, they can look for mini beasts under a log, record what they find and discuss the types of creatures present and the properties of that habitat. Through all ages and abilities we provide stimulating practical experiences that uses scientific enquiry, enabling students to make informed behavioural changes to help reduce their carbon footprint.
What better way to develop knowledge, build understanding and inspire curiosity about diverse places, natural environments and physical processes than first hand - outside of the classroom – on a site of Special Scientific Interest. Observations can be made about features in the environment, describing places, making maps, conducting field studies and recognising why people may seek to manage them in a sustainable way.
Students learn about how human activity has impacted on the environment and habitats, both locally and internationally and the important role of both plants and soils in mitigating the effects of global warming.
We tailor all our sessions to suit the needs of your group. Tell us more about the aspects of the curriculum you wish to cover and let us come up with fun yet educational activities for you.
Suntrap is located in the heart of Epping Forest which hosts a rich variety of habitats including woodland, grassland, heath, rivers, bogs and ponds, providing us with a wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife to study on the site itself and surrounding area.
We’re going on a Bear Hunt - Go on an exciting outdoor adventure through the forest following the bear’s footprints; splish splashing in the stream and squelching in the mud. Find the bear and make your own cave using natural materials. Early learning goal links: Communication and language
The Gruffalo - Help the little brown mouse find his way through the forest, meeting a snake, fox and owl on your journey. You might even meet the Gruffalo! Curriculum links: English Y1 Reading comprehension
Map co-ordinates trail - Learn how to read a map and use coordinates to undertake a map reading challenge with a partner in the Suntrap grounds. Curriculum links: Year 4 Geometry
Shelter Building - Work in groups to plan and build a shelter in the forest using natural materials. Challenge to make the shelter warm, stable and waterproof. Curriculum links: Design and Technology (Make; Evaluate; Technical knowledge);
Stone age to the Iron Age
Surviving the Stone Age - Enter the Stone Age in the forest; finding wild food, collecting clay to make a thumb pot, do some cave painting using natural pigments and build your own shelter. Curriculum links: History changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age.
Eco education is critical in helping young people understand the impacts of climate change, encourage a change in attitudes and behaviour needed to address the causes of climate change, and develop competencies and leadership skills that are vital for a sustainable future.
Our activities across the curriculum address the important understanding of sustainability and we aim to support visitors to be future climate leaders.
The Hive is in the heart of Epping Forest, and we are able to offer Forest School sessions on our beautiful 7 acre site or we can come out to local schools and run sessions in your grounds led by our Qualified Forest School Leaders. Our Day visits and Residentials incorporate the known Forest School benefits of hands-on experiences in a natural, woodland environment.
Yes we do - we pride ourselves on our inclusive approach to teaching and we are especially proud of our on-going work with several local SEN schools.
Hi from The Hive!
The Hive is an environmental educational centre in operation for over fifty years. Set in 7 acres of private woodland and meadow in the heart of Epping Forest based on the edge of East London with easy transport links. The surrounding diverse woodland provides the ideal location for all year-round residential school trips or day visits.
At The Hive we understand booking your class for an school visit can be daunting, but we promise a day with us will be truly something to look forward to. After all our aim is to encourage as many people as possible to learn about their environment through hands-on experiences that remains with them throughout their lives in an inspirational and safe environment. Our bespoke programmes are designed to build confidence and encourage teamwork using the stunning Epping Forest as a catalyst for positive outcomes.
Our bespoke programmes can be tailored to suit the curriculum, specific topics and themes or just for fun with a variety of activities to suit all ages and abilities.
All activities are
• Linked to the EY Framework, National Curriculum or exam board specifications for GCSE, BTec and A’ level as appropriate;
• Provide visitors with knowledge and skills to empower them to take action and make informed choices to use the world’s resources wisely and to make a positive contribution to improve their local area;
• Support classroom-based learning by developing understanding through practical real-world experiences;
• Are led by experienced environmental education professionals;
• Are fully risk assessed
Wellies and waterproofs for all ages!.
★★★★★
"Thank you so much for hosting us over the past couple of days. The children had a truly wonderful time and benefited so much from your tuition as well as the spectacular facilities. The team and I are really grateful for everything you did to make everything run as smoothly as possible and for the children to have a memorable experience. Thank you."
★★★★★
"Thank you very much for all of your hard work. It was an excellent experience and the girls got a lot out of it"
★★★★★
"You do everything so well; engaging the children and giving them the courage to have a go and just enjoy!
"
★★★★★
"Fantastic - took me back to my childhood visits. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it! If only the goodness could be experienced every day in my own home!"
★★★★★
"The tutor was clear, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Activities were fun, engaging, interesting and the children learnt such a lot."
★★★★★
"You do everything so well; engaging the children and giving them the courage to have a go and just enjoy - worth every penny!
"
★★★★★
"Excellent personal service and children well looked after. Very knowledgeable. Will book for other year groups."
★★★★★
"Congratulations to the staff at the London Borough of Waltham Forest on fifty years of inspiring children with a love of nature and a respect for the natural world."
★★★★★
"‘Fantastic trip on Wednesday, our sixth formers worked with multiple intelligences, developed their teamwork and had a brilliant time.’ "
★★★★★
"‘Just wanted to say thanks for the lovely day’s study… the young people that attended really benefitted. Thanks also for the great collaborative working in delivering the activities particularly getting the pitch and tone just right.’ Northgate School, Edgware"
★★★★★
"‘Excellent presentation, excellent activities, great explanations for our A Level Biology students.’ Sacred Heart Sixth Form, Hammersmith"
★★★★★
"‘Everything was perfect. Brilliantly led by tutor, clear instructions, children safe and loved every minute.’ St Mary’s Primary School, Walthamstow
"
★★★★★
"Staff were brilliant, always helpful and gave deeper insight to enhance children’s imagination. Very clear and easy to understand, and their work ethic ensured the experience for both children and teachers was amazing.’ Hillyfield Primary Academy, Walthamstow"
★★★★★
"Every activity engaging, leaders knowledgeable and kind, clear and well organised.’ Wren Primary Academy, Finchley"
★★★★★
"‘…open, collaborative, all teaching and delivery is of a high standard, staff are well trained and experienced. It’s a great outdoor learning environment, providing a tangible learning experience, enjoyed by all – pupils and teachers. It’s unique, a valuable resource. It’s part of the fabric of our school’. Headteacher from anonymous consultation"
★★★★★
"‘It’s greatest asset, being in the forest and the learning and experience that provides. The staff are always excellent, as well as the activities they provide.’ Headteacher from anonymous consultation"
★★★★★
"‘It delivers really positive outcomes for our pupils, both experiences, social development and learning outcomes. It’s a special place and we’ll keep returning’. "
★★★★★
"‘It delivers really positive outcomes for our pupils, both experiences, social development and learning outcomes. It’s a special place and we’ll keep returning’. Headteacher from anonymous consultation"
Risk Assessments
Resource Packs
LOtC Quality Badge
Institute of Outdoor Learning
Teachers interested in this The Hive trip also viewed the learning experiences below.
We are bursting with ideas on places that deliver first class teaching both outside the classroom and as in-school workshops. Feel free to use our tailor-made trip form and we can help you find the perfect experience for your class!