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 Coordinator, Ms Randie Cush on 01283 799859.
The National Memorial Arboretum has been successful in bidding for a Subject Specialist Advisor from the Staffordshire County Council's Schools Improvement Division and welcomes curriculum advisor Heather Farr who will be working closely with our Education Coordinator.
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| School groups visit and learn about “Symbols of Remembrance” | ||
Words and Willow 4
In 2009, the Arboretum is again hosting Words and Willow. From Monday 8 June to Friday 3 July, greenwood artist Anthony Hammond will be on-site to work with school groups. Students activities will include creative writing, drawing, painting and willow sculpture, inspired by all they see at the Arboretum.
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| A rare Willow Goose takes flight |
This is a cross-curricula project developed by Chase Technology College that involves students in 'hands on' creativity. For more information and photos of the event, visit www.wordsandwillow.co.uk.
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| A Willow Hare makes a break for freedom |
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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