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Wildlife and Ecology school trips and workshops

Learn about natural wildlife and habitats

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

What wildlife school trips in the UK focus on animals, conservation, and environment?

Wildlife visits include safaris, sanctuaries, and encounters -teaching biodiversity, habitats, and responsibility.

Obviously, seeing a troop of monkeys remove the wipers from the coach is going to be the highlight of your day out for a lot of children, but there is plenty more to be gained from trip to study the local, and not so local, wildlife. This section covers zoos and safari parks, sea life centres, as well as places to study British wildlife. If you want to study animals, birds, or fish, as part of key stage 2, 3 and 4 science, then see below for inspiration.

The UK has a wonderfully diverse array of natural wildlife, especially ornithological and places like the RSPB and WWT have centres up and down the country where you can go to study the habitats of our feathered friends. As well as helping your class understand the importance of our native wildlife, you will also be helping to support the protected areas which act as havens for species that would otherwise be under threat.

All these venues give great opportunities for cross-curricular study, especially biological adaptation, the geographical impact we humans can have on such delicate eco-systems through climate change, and environmental miss-management, and how we can protect them, both for future generations, and for our own well-being.

If you are looking to give children an opportunity to explore wildlife, you may also be interested in our pages about Environmental sciences and Forest School.

The venues specialising in sea life are always popular with children, perhaps because it gives them an insight into what is normally hidden from view. The examples listed here offer tailor-made workshops, ideal for allowing your class to gain hands-on experience and to fully understand the issues and challenges associated with marine biology.

Zoos and safari parks have changed and are no longer just somewhere to take the kids for an ice-cream and the chance to marvel at the giraffes. Even the more traditional parks are changing what they offer, developing more intelligent ways of engaging their visitors. And the ability to create artificial biospheres means it is now possible to visit a tropical jungle without leaving our temperate climate.

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school group at trentham monkey forest
Trentham Monkey Forest
map pin West Midlands

A primary school wildlife group visits Trentham Monkey Forest, observing free-roaming macaques, exploring habitats, and discovering how animals interact with their environment to inspire care for nature and conservation.
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child with a magnifying glass looking at flowers
Wildlife School Day Visits
map pin Wales

Wildlife is at the core of what we do! Our Educational Sessions all use wildlife as a learning tool to discover more about their lives, their food and their abilities. The Tadorna Wildlife Hub is...
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school group enjoying a wildlife demonstration
Hamerton Zoo Park
map pin East Midlands

Wildlife Learning at Hamerton Zoo Park Hamerton Zoo Park provides inspiring opportunities for students to explore Wildlife and Fauna from around the world while developing a deeper understanding of...
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logo for godstone farm
Godstone Farm Educational Visits
map pin London & South East

Our site is set within the beautiful rolling Surrey Hills, and we therefore have acess to nature and wildlife every single day. Much of the visit will be structured however we allow free time for...
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children listening to a talk at flamingo land
Flamingo Land
map pin Yorkshire

All of our workshops have a focus on wildlife. In our zoo you will see and learn about mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates and a variety of different bugs, creatures and other fauna. Topics...
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children pond dipping
School Wild Science Workshops!
map pin in-school workshop

All of our topics featuring in some educational way! We focus on giving children and groups the best learning experience whilst using wildlife as a main focus points. You can discover pollinators,...
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actor dressed as an explorer
Rainforests - Above and beyond the Canopy
map pin online/in-school workshop

Our Rainforest workshop explores all the different species of insect and animals living within this environment.
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school hall full of children watching a zoo outreach event
Outreach Zoo Education Visit
map pin in-school workshop

At WILD Zoological Park, our outreach sessions include real animal encounters to give students a hands-on and memorable way to learn about biology, behaviour, and conservation. By meeting live animals...
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Image for day trips to Bore Place Farm trip for schools. KS2 KS3
Day Trips at Bore Place
map pin London & South East

Bore Place is home to myriad birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, trees, hedgerows and wildflowers. Depending on what time of year you visit you will have the chance to explore some of...
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poster about hive activity centre
Unforgettable Day Visits at The Hive
map pin London & South East

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...
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Image for a residential school trip at Preston Montford Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Shropshire KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Preston Montford Field Centre
map pin West Midlands

Students will look at a variety of plants and common animals using age appropriate classification keys to identify living things we find in our woodland and in our pond habitats. Discover what...
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Image for a residential school trip at Margam Discovery Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Wales KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Margam Discovery Centre
map pin Wales

Students will look at a variety of plants and common animals using age appropriate classification keys to identify living things we find in our woodland and in our pond habitats. Discover what...
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Image for a residential school trip at Field Studies Centre Outdoor Activity centre in London KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
London Field Sites
map pin London & South East

Students will look at a variety of plants and common animals using age appropriate classification keys to identify living things we find in our woodland and in our pond habitats. Discover what...
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secondary students with biology work sheets at the royal parks
The Royal Parks
map pin London & South East

Having free rein over the wide range of habitats within Hyde Park, we have the opportunity to study a plethora of creatures and step back to consider the ecosystem of the park as a whole.
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Image for a residential school trip at Preston Montford Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Shropshire KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Nettlecombe Court Field Centre
map pin South West

Students will look at a variety of plants and common animals using age appropriate classification keys to identify living things we find in our woodland and in our pond habitats. Discover what...
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view of edinburgh rock and a marquee
Edinburgh for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
map pin Scotland

Immerse your students in the captivating world of wildlife with our Edinburgh school trip package! At Curriculum Travel, we understand the importance of hands-on learning experiences, and that's why...
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high ropes adventure course
School Day Trips
map pin South West

We have a large range of Wildlife at our Leap of Faith activity centre, including bears, wolves, giraffes and reindeer.
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school children firing bows and arrows
The Bushcraft Company - Castle Howard
map pin North East

Great things happen in the great outdoors! Taking place in the tranquillity of the woods, students will engage and connect with the natural world in a way that possibly they have never done so before....
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children learning bushcraft skills
The Bushcraft Company - Boughton Woods
map pin East Midlands

Great things happen in the great outdoors! Taking place in the tranquillity of the woods, students will engage and connect with the natural world in a way that possibly they have never done so before....
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Image for a residential school trip at Flatford Mill Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Essex KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Flatford Mill field centre
map pin East of England

Students will look at a variety of plants and common animals using age appropriate classification keys to identify living things we find in our woodland and in our pond habitats. Discover what...
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Wildlife & Environment School Trips FAQ

16 February 2026

Why go on wildlife trips?
Wildlife trips are a great way to help your students connect with nature, whether it’s spotting animals or trees. They really bring the curriculum on biodiversity to life and make students see why caring for the environment matters.

Wildlife workshop or reserve visit?
If you're after safety and an intro to animals, workshops are perfect. They cost between £150 and £400. But if you want real sightings and fieldwork experience, reserve visits are the way to go. We offer workshops for beginners and reserves for hands-on exploration.

Are there free wildlife spots?
Yes! Many reserves like RSPB reserves and local woods have free entry, especially if you book in advance. It’s a great way to explore without breaking the bank.

What are the top 10 wildlife school trips?
Based on teacher recommendations for 2026, here’s the list:

RSPB Minsmere (birds)
London Zoo
In-school animal workshops
Eden Project (habitats)
Jurassic Coast (fossils)
Scottish Highlands (deer)
Welsh coast (seals)
National Parks (hiking)
Butterfly farms
Local ponds (frogs)

Are wildlife trips suitable for SEND students?
Absolutely. Reserves often have trails, and workshops bring animals close in a safe way. We’ve used binoculars for distance viewing and plan sensory activities to make it accessible and fun for everyone.

What’s the budget for wildlife trips?
It varies. Free reserves plus bus transportation can be as low as £4 to £12 per child. Zoos usually cost between £8 and £18 for entry. Workshops range from £150 to £400, and residential eco trips are around £140 to £280 per child. There are also green grants available to help with costs.


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Woodland Activity Days Proving Popular at Oaker Wood

A school residential or activity day at Oaker Wood gives children the opportunity to develop valuable life skills while enjoying the great outdoors. From learning practical survival techniques to gaining a deeper...

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A Day at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World

Zoo's in the UK are two-a-penny and Dinosaur Parks aren't much less. So how can we persuade you we're different?

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