Education
The Arboretum welcomes visits from both primary and secondary schools. There is an education programme available and study opportunities are available for any age group.
To discuss our education packages please contact our Education Administrator, Ms Randie Cush on 01283 792 333.
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| School groups visit and learn about “Symbols of Remembrance” | ||
Words and Willows 2008
The Arboretum will host Words and Willows 2008. From Monday 9 June to Friday 18 July, the artist Anthony Hammond and poet Peter Clews will be on-site to work with school groups. The students will be inspired by all they see at the Arboretum to take part in creative writing and willow sculpture.
This is a cross-curricula project developed by Chase Technology College that involves students in 'hands on' creativity. Poetry and willow sculptures will be on display and visitors will be able to watch students as they work. For more information, visit www.wordsandwillows.co.uk.
History
Many of the memorials reflect the contribution of the Armed Services from the First World War through to the current day. Children can explore the history of each memorial, draw and sketch, collect data and information for more research or model making.
Children can also experience the Act of Remembrance in the Millennium Chapel which takes place every day at 11am.
Biodiversity
The Arboretum covers 60 hectares of reclaimed gravel workings and within this area is a wide variety of natural habitats including emerging woodland, hay meadows, riverbank and marsh. Each of these has its own flora and fauna. The site benefits from a very wide range of special trees, many chosen for symbolic reasons and offering a varied study of leaves, growth, uses and origin.
The variety of habitats within the Arboretum site illustrate the biodiversity of the area. Birds and animals include several species highlighted in the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan - these include the skylark, lapwing, brown hare, otter and several species of bat.
There are great activities for children visiting the Arboretum including:
- Spotting over 100 species of birds including skylark, lapwing, oystercatcher and kingfisher
- Catch a glimpse of a brown hare and, if you're very lucky, you may see an otter
- Joining the Wildlife Watch Group - a club for 7-14 year olds which meets once a month to explore the wildlife
- Learning about conservation activities including hedge laying and willow sculpture
- Watching the birds close up in the feeding area
- Keeping a wildlife diary and letting us know what you have seen on your visit.
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| Wildlife watch group observing a mole | Wildlife watch group share experiences (photo by Jean Williams) |
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