Formby
GCSE and A level:No more counting daisies on the school field!
We introduce your students to ecological sampling techniques, sand dune succession and the specialist species that thrive on sand dunes, all while enjoying this stunning location.
Students are guided through carrying out hands on investigations in nature, designed to bring your ecology topic to life and consolidate classroom learning through first hand experience
KS2:
Our full day trips introduce your pupils to the varied plant and insect species found at Formby, and the incredible conservation work taking place to protect them.
Pupils are guided through a series of hands on activities, designed to promote curiosity and exploration of the natural world.
We have special rates for schools in quieter months
10% off autumn term trip bookings
Book your field trip now for September to November 2026 and recieve an exclusive 10% discount. This offer applies to our Formby sand dunes fieldwork trips for KS2, GCSE and A level.
Bored of counting daisies on the school field? Book now
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What activities are available during educational visits?
Activities will be tailored in collaboration with you. Depending on your individual focus, this can include a selection of the following:
Primary schools:
• Identifying and surveying minibeasts, including using insect pooters
• Plant surveys on the dunes
• Plant identification and comparing species between habitats
• Tree identification, sketching and taking rubbings
• Measuring the age and height of trees
• Habitat walks to discuss species adaptations and conservation
GCSE and A level:
• Random sampling and belt transects to determine distribution and abundance of plant species
• Measurement of abiotic factors
• Calculation of species population
• Discussion of species adaptations, habitats and conservation management
• Observation of the stages of sand dune succession - A level only
• Measurement of biodiversity - A level only
Primary schools:
• Identifying and surveying minibeasts, including using insect pooters
• Plant surveys on the dunes
• Plant identification and comparing species between habitats
• Tree identification, sketching and taking rubbings
• Measuring the age and height of trees
• Habitat walks to discuss species adaptations and conservation
GCSE and A level:
• Random sampling and belt transects to determine distribution and abundance of plant species
• Measurement of abiotic factors
• Calculation of species population
• Discussion of species adaptations, habitats and conservation management
• Observation of the stages of sand dune succession - A level only
• Measurement of biodiversity - A level only
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Fieldstudies
Sampling and Statistics Coastal Ecology Ecosystems Sustainability Landscape Management
Bored of counting dandelions on your school field! Our GCSE and A level field trips bring ecology to life, introducing key sampling techniques to measure species distribution and abundance. Or for KS2, explore the varied habitats at Formby, and the fascinating plants and insects that call them home.
Biology
Plants Animals including humans Living things and habitats Ecology and environment Minibeasts Habitats Life Sciences Forest School Relationships in an ecosystem (KS3/4)
Our hands on field trips bring the science curriculum to life, from GCSE and A level students investigating ecology and ecosystems, to KS2 pupils discovering the habitats, animals and plants found at Formby. We offer practical science without the planning, aligned with all major exam boards.
Forest School
Get your pupils outdoors and exploring nature with our hands on field trips. Filled with practical activities from bug hunts and plant surveys for KS2, to transects and random sampling for older students, your pupils will return home with a passion for nature and its conservation.
Outdoor Learning School Trip
A full day trip filled with hands on nature exploration and investigation, from KS2 pupils surveying plants and minibeasts on the dunes, to GCSE and A level students investigating the relationship between plant species and environmental factors.
Wildlife
Discover the incredible species found in the sand dunes and woodlands at Formby, and how they are conserved. KS2 pupils will discover how these species are adapted to thrive in their habitats, while GCSE and A level students investigate the abiotic factors affecting their distribution and abundance.
What size groups do we cater for?
Up to 35 pupils per trips. For larger bookings, we are more than happy to accommodate your group over multiple dates.
Free places for all accompanying adults.
Coach and minibus parking is available at Lifeboat road car park, which is owned by the National Trust. There is a parking fee for minibuses and coaches, payable directly to the National Trust. National Trust education group access pass holders are exempt from these parking charges. More details will be provided upon booking.
Free places for all accompanying adults.
Coach and minibus parking is available at Lifeboat road car park, which is owned by the National Trust. There is a parking fee for minibuses and coaches, payable directly to the National Trust. National Trust education group access pass holders are exempt from these parking charges. More details will be provided upon booking.
On-site classroom facilities?
Formby sand dunes are owned by the National Trust. We operate under a licence which allows us to provide guided field trips at this location.
There is a picnic area available for eating pack lunches and toilets at the car park. Free time for students to explore Formby beach can be included in the day, depending on your preference.
There is a picnic area available for eating pack lunches and toilets at the car park. Free time for students to explore Formby beach can be included in the day, depending on your preference.
Is there first aid on site?
You will have an experienced instructor present with the group throughout your trip, who carries a British standard compliant first aid kit, and holds an up to date ITC certificate in outdoor first aid at SCQF level 6
Access for visitors with disabilities
Please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss how we can meet your needs.
Anything else?
For KS2 groups, links are made to science topics including:
• Living things and their habitats
• Animals including humans
• Plants
Let us know what topic you will be covering at the time of your trip and we will be happy to tailor the day to your focus.
For GCSE and A level groups, this trip is designed to complement curriculum learning and meet practical requirements for:
GCSE:
• AQA Biology (required practical 9)
• AQA combined science (required practical 7)
• Edexcel Biology (core practical 9.5)
• Edexcel combined science (biology core practical 9.5)
• Equqas Biology (SP 6.3)
• Eduqas combined science (BSP 6.5)
• OCR Biology (PAG 3)
• OCR combined science (PAG B2)
A level:
• AQA Biology (required practical 12)
• Edexcel Biology A (core practical 10)
• Edexcel Biology B (core practical 15)
• Equqas Biology (continuity of life 1)
• OCR Biology (PAG 3)
• Living things and their habitats
• Animals including humans
• Plants
Let us know what topic you will be covering at the time of your trip and we will be happy to tailor the day to your focus.
For GCSE and A level groups, this trip is designed to complement curriculum learning and meet practical requirements for:
GCSE:
• AQA Biology (required practical 9)
• AQA combined science (required practical 7)
• Edexcel Biology (core practical 9.5)
• Edexcel combined science (biology core practical 9.5)
• Equqas Biology (SP 6.3)
• Eduqas combined science (BSP 6.5)
• OCR Biology (PAG 3)
• OCR combined science (PAG B2)
A level:
• AQA Biology (required practical 12)
• Edexcel Biology A (core practical 10)
• Edexcel Biology B (core practical 15)
• Equqas Biology (continuity of life 1)
• OCR Biology (PAG 3)
Who are NatureLab?
We provide hands on science and nature workshops and trips for primary schools, high schools and colleges, designed to bring the science curriculum to life and inspire curiosity about the natural world. Please see our other listings for more details.
Shannon Raponi:
I am the founder of NatureLab, working with schools to impart my passion for the natural world and its protection.
I am a qualified primary school teacher with experience in KS1 and KS2. I have also worked as a field studies instructor and group leader, teaching biology and geography fieldwork to school groups in every year group from KS2 to A level, in addition to a number of volunteer roles with children.
I have a degree in animal behaviour and training, and wildlife conservation and research experience in South Africa. Throughout my career so far I have worked to give children experiences they would not otherwise have, and inspire a love for nature and the outdoors.
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