Environmental Education Cycle Safaris

Mr Mag00 · #1 (**permalink**) 24-09-2009, 08:34 AM

Would you be prepared to send your child as a school trip or attend yourself with or without family to a guided Env Ed Cycle Safari?

Thank you for your time

Mr Mag00 · #2 (**permalink**) 24-09-2009, 03:43 PM

hi this is some additional market research so i would appreciate if a lot of people would post a vote

thank you

Hobjob · #3 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 10:35 AM

Probably yes - though my kids are all grown - sounds interesting, but needs lots more information ...............

But what ages, what is going to be taught, on or off road, level of supervision, all day or half day, on going project with more than one visit per child etc. etc. etc..

thunder · #4 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 10:38 PM

I agree with Hobjob - we need to know exactly what an EECC is before we can give a reply

henrya

Amoeba · #5 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 11:02 AM

Indeed I've found many a nature trail and cycle safari event that seem to just be a path through a tiny plot of heavily gardened "woodland" (if you can call it that) no bigger than a few square metres and not even so much as a bird in sight. The kids learned nothing except how "boring" wildlife is... the staff weren't much help, chatting amongst themselves with their coffees and cigs while their kids trudge grudgingly in an orderly line through the cramped little pathway and come out at the end a mere few seconds later.

The cycle one was a little better, but still no real wildlife in sight, still small and cramped and so modified it could never be considered remotely wild. Some "nature trail", just a thin patch of pruned trees on a wood-chipping floor with a cycle path wound tightly within (to make it seem longer I suppose). Didn't help that it was surrounded by concrete and flats. (shame, before they turned it into a "nature trail" it was actually a nice little contrast from the surrounding concrete)

Then there's the good ones that actually teach kids about how fascinating wildlife can be, and that doesn't look so artificial that you'd think you had just stumbled into a neighbour's garden. It varies too much.

Mr Mag00 · #6 (**permalink**) 30-09-2009, 12:35 PM

you lot want blood for a simple question?

Hi, Amobea I am sorry you had such a bad experiences. obviously not had a lesson/walk/session with me teaching.

you cannot plan for the 'wildlife' to be present. the leader should be able to make up for that with some improv lesson.

I am not going to give too many details away. I have nearly a decade of env ed experience and many years cycling experience

I am planning to offer this in a number of locations. It will definately be much larger and not a garden, wildlife area, or nature trail but the open countryside, land owner permitting.
I plan to use bridle routes through woodland and heathland, grassland depending on requirements as much off road as possible.
Time will be given off bikes to investigate the subject. this will include all env ed classics, ponds, streams, woodland , heathland and grassland investigations. the bikes are a way to get further from the normal spots people may visit walking dogs etc.
plenty of time for complete investigation of lesson plan.

linking with natural history, landscape scale discussions, modern lifestyles all parts of pcshe

this will be cross curricular activity, linked specifically to science curriculum. open to all ages all activities can be adjusted.

away from schools- weekwend and evening offerings for all familiy will part of the mix too, no need to exclude anyone. half and full day too.

I hope that has answered some questions. still amazed only 4 answered, thanks for all the input

loripo · #7 (**permalink**) 30-09-2009, 01:33 PM

I would have thought your local schools would be very nterested in this. You would also have the required numbers of adults per group and as you say it would link into the curriculum and probably their Junior Road Safety team too. You would need CRB check and possible first aid training, but a great idea I think.

Mr Mag00 · #8 (**permalink**) 30-09-2009, 08:48 PM

thanks loripo, i am conducting market research within the school system here. i know what is required of me personally to run these. I was just looking for some feedback from a wildlife website.