Woodland Adventures

Choices for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Years 1-4 at the Attenborough Arboretum

Woodland Adventures offers a selection of half-day activities that can be put together to make a full day. Each session includes an introduction and a series of hands-on activities. End with a plenary and a story under our story tree.

1. Trees (KS1/2) - Parts of a tree's function, uses and seasonal changes are discussed. Outside, children identify nine trees using simple keys. KS1 and Year 3 choose a tree for particular study and make its 'passport', take measurements and make leaf and bark rubbings. Year 4 examine different seed dispersal methods in the introduction, and then analyse examples, checking if the nine trees are dispersed by wind, animals or humans.
   
   
2. Mini beasts (EYFS, KS1/2) - Children explore the many different habitats around the Arboretum and use keys for identification. They have the opportunity to do pond dipping. 
   
   
3. The Green Man (KS1/KS2) - We talk about the many uses of plants and how it is vital to allow plants to grow. We link this to the international tradition of the Green Man and show different examples. Children then make exciting 'Green Man' leaf masks.
   
   
4. Parts of Plants (KS1/KS2) - Children collect natural materials to make exciting tree sculptures. They label parts of the plant and discuss seasonal changes. Year 3 also look at the functions of the plant.
   
   
5. Orienteering (KS1/KS2) - Follow compass directions to find special mini Beast stamps around the Arboretum, and explore the habitats of these animals. They will also consider the direction of areas beyond the Arboretum.
   
   
6. The Smartest Giant (EYFS) - Be led on a trail around the Arboretum and find the places and items. Match socks, put belts in size order, find natural materials bigger than a giants foot, make a special giant crown and explore items that float and sink.
   
   

• Availability: March to November.
• Numbers: One class (up to 36 children) as we only have one indoor classroom. For bigger groups, we can offer adapted versions of activities one to five at the Botanic Garden, where we have larger classrooms.
• Duration: Half a day. Choose two activities for a full day.
• Cost: Please visit our programme costs page

Please note, the Attenborough Arboretum venue is a different site to the Botanic Garden.