Environmental Education Cycle Safaris

[thelawnet]

Sounds good to me, you can pass through varied habitats on a bicycle ride, due to their high velocity (at least relative to walking). We've been on cycle trips to gather and spot fungi and also frequently pass many kinds of interesting wildlife - deer, wild food (cob nuts, blackberries, etc.).

Not sure what age you're targetting, but 10 miles sounds about right for the 7-9 age group.

[eeyore]

I dont see why not - when i was a ranger in MK we used to run these - i wouldnt personally because i dont have kids and cant ride a bike , but that aside its a great idea

[Amoeba]

Originally Posted by thelawnet

Sounds good to me, you can pass through varied habitats on a bicycle ride, due to their high velocity (at least relative to walking). We've been on cycle trips to gather and spot fungi and also frequently pass many kinds of interesting wildlife - deer, wild food (cob nuts, blackberries, etc.).

Not sure what age you're targetting, but 10 miles sounds about right for the 7-9 age group.

That was something I'd been thinking about, how long will to be for the kids to get tired. For kids that are kept in a lot or whose parents don't encourage them outside, 10 miles could be far too excessive.

On the plus side it would be good for kids who rarely get the opportunity to see the outdoors, especially low-income kids. More needs to be done for low-income kids in low-income schools, most events like these overlook that demographic criteria.

[mkeeble]

Great idea as long as the quality is high, as has already been discussed.

For school, one problem with doing things on bikes is getting them there. Separate bike transport can considerably increase the cost of a short whole class event. Smaller groups in an after school club would be more successful but would this just target those kids who would go with their parents at the weekend ?

Have you thought of contacting one of the national "forest schools" which are springing up to provide specialist education for those who need something different ? eg link Forest Education Initiative - providing teachers with learning resources on trees, forests and forestry products

[Mr Mag00]

in reply to the bike question i am hoping to get some funding to be able to buy some bikes and maybe do summer hire. anyone know how to buy bikes in bulk please let me know


yh i know all about forest schools if this works it is something else i have up my sleeve, i know a couple of tutors

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Mr Mag00

in reply to the bike question i am hoping to get some funding to be able to buy some bikes and maybe do summer hire. anyone know how to buy bikes in bulk please let me know

as far as i know its like buying anything else in bulk - contact a local dealer , or even better several, and try and do a deal. Also dont neglect ex display, police auction, and clearance - no one who hires a bike expects it not to have been used before so all these are essentially new for you purposes.

You might also want to shoot boddie a pm , as i know he used to work for a saddle company so he probably knows the ins and outs better than i do.

[Mr Mag00]

cheers eeyore :d

[thelawnet]

Originally Posted by Mr Mag00

in reply to the bike question i am hoping to get some funding to be able to buy some bikes and maybe do summer hire. anyone know how to buy bikes in bulk please let me know

Best ask on here: http://www.bikeradar.com/forums

[Mr Mag00]

Thank you all for your help and interest.

[teknomage]

It's not something that appeals to me as an adult. I'm not a fan of guided group activities and prefer to go out and see wildlife on my own or with a friend. However, I'd have loved an opportunity like that when I was a kid or teenager.

tekno.mage