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Wildlife and Ecology school trips and workshops

Learn about natural wildlife and habitats

PlanMySchoolTrip

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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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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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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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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magnifying glass looking for lichens on a tree trunk
NatureLab Habitat Explorers
map pin in-school workshop

Your pupils may know all about elephants or tigers, but how much do they really know about our native wildlife? Discover the fascinating species found in your school grounds and how you can help them thrive. Explore their habitats, adaptations and needs for survival through practical investigation.
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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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 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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aerial view of whitehough outdoor centre
Whitehough Outdoor Centre
map pin North West

The site is home to a variety of birds and wildlife and has two ponds that can be explored through pond dipping. Trails, quizzes and nature spotting activities are available and we have a classroom with field study guides and reference materials.
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Image for outdoor education trip residential KS2 KS3 KS4
Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
map pin South West

Visit different habitats and learn about the species which inhabit them. Compare contrasting habitats such as rocky and sandy shores. Explore sand dune habitats at Studland Peninsular by learning...
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YHA Boggle Hole
YHA Boggle Hole
map pin Yorkshire

Ahoy there! Tucked away in an old smuggler's cove near Whitby, YHA Boggle Hole is a fun-filled location perfect for activity breaks and exploring the Yorkshire Heritage Coast.
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biological illustrations
NatureLab Naturalist Maria Merian: Life Cycles
map pin in-school workshop

Discover the naturalist who unravelled the mysteries of insect life cycles, Maria Merian. Through her paintings, and first hand observation of real minibeasts, your pupils will develop their own understanding of the butterfly life cycle. Who knows, the next great naturalist might be in your class!
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Image for a residential school trip at Dale Fort Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Pembrokeshire KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Dale Fort Field 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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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
Wildlife Residential

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 understanding of woodland animals and plants, pupils benefit from hands-on...

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A Day at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World
Wildlife Workshops

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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Biology and Wildlife at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Wildlife Day Trips

Your class can explore climatic-themed glasshouses and 15 acres of landscaped gardens exploring a range of biology and wildlife topics.

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Discover the treasures of Lotherton Hall Museum
Wildlife Day Trips

Discover the treasures of Lotherton hall, become a nature detective, and discover animals from across the world in Wildlife World.

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Discover history, biology and wildlife in one country estate
Wildlife Day Trips

Discover history, biology and wildlife in one country estate at Lotherton! Plan your school trips and workshops at Lotherton for 2022/23

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Sayers Croft in the new academic year
Wildlife Residential

We believe that everyone should have access to the outdoors to improve mental health, instil a love of our natural environment, and increase

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