RSPB's Rye Meads is a nationally important wetland nature reserve, specially designed for school visits, where we can provide your students with unique and memorable learning experiences.
We hold a LoTC quality badge and our Schools on Reserves programme has been designed to bring learning to life.
Led by our professional and enthusiastic learning staff, you can choose from a selection of half or full-day programmes that will get your group exploring the natural world with exciting hands-on activities.
Why book RSPB for School Trips and Educational Visits?
Our visitor centre has superbly equipped classrooms and there are specifically designed pond dipping facilities, purpose built minibeast areas and a teaching hide, which means children can freely explore the habitats safely to get the most out of their visit with us.
We also have an outdoor picnic area, a living willow tunnel for lunchtime play and toilets with disabled access. There is designated coach parking close to the classrooms.
What teachers say:
“Staff engaged with the children and allowed them to learn at their own rate.” St. Christopher Juniors.
“All the children had a brilliant day!” Harlowbury Primary School.
What activities are available during group visits?
From ‘Brilliant Birds’ to ‘Investigating minibeasts’ and ‘Sampling biodiversity' – there’s a curriculum linked session for all ages and abilities from EYFS up to A-level. Below are the programmes we offer at Rye Meads.
EYFS & KS1 Brilliant Birds
EYFS & KS1 Discovering Land Minibeasts
EYFS & KS1 Seasonal Sensory walk
EYFS & KS1 Discovering Pond Minibeasts
KS1 Plant Detectives
KS2 Pond Habitat study
KS2 Investigating Minibeasts
KS2 Discovering Birds
KS2 Living Things in their Habitats (with a Pond or Minibeast focus)
KS3 Geographical Fieldwork
KS3 Science Ecological investigations and sampling
KS4 GCSE Geography Ecosystems
KS4 GCSE Science Biology Ecological fieldwork techniques
KS4 GCSE Science Biology Managing for Water Quality
KS5 A Level Biology Sampling Biodiversity
KS5 A Level Geography Ecosystems and Sustainability
Costs
Primary per child
£4.00 per two-hour session, or £6.50 for two sessions to make a full day.
There is a minimum charge of £80 for a half day and £130 for a full day.
Secondary KS3 and KS4 per child
£5 per two-hour session, or £8 for a full day.
There is a minimum charge of £100 half day and £160 for a full day.
A-level per student
£6 for a half day, or £10 for a full day.
There is a minimum charge of £100 for a half day and £160 for a full day.
What size groups do you cater for?
We can normally accommodate up to 60 children (two classes) on a day. If you have a group larger than this, please get in touch to find out if we can accommodate you.
Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?
We have two classrooms that are used as a base for the day and can be used at lunch time if the weather is poor.
Is there first aid on site?
Yes - all our leaders are qualified first aiders.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
Yes - we have wheelchair friendly paths, pond dipping area, bird hides and toilet facilities.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Yes - we can cater for a wide range of needs and often have special educational needs schools use our services.
Anything else?
Rye Meads is accessible by public transport - For trains we are served by Greater Anglia to Rye House station (400 yards/366 m) which comes in from London Liverpool Street and Cambridge.
By coach you can exit the A10 at Hoddesdon or enter via the toll road from Stanstead Abbotts.
Grid reference: TL389103. Postcode: SG12 8JS/ Sat Navs: EN11 0EG
Reviews from Schools visiting RSPB!
Teacher Checklist 
 | Risk Assessments | ||
| Inspection Visits | ||
| Free Places for Teachers | ||
| LOtC Quality Badge |
