News

Save Our Outdoor Education Centres

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:23

A petition has been launched calling for the government to protect outdoor education centres from imminent closure. One in three local authority centres are threatened and this could deny millions of children from potentially life-changing experiences. In many cases these closures could be avoided.

The future of Biological Recording and Species Identification

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:24

The University of Birmingham and FSC met again in early January and are continuing to work closely together to ensure the future of the Biological Recording and Species Identification programmes.

Leading scientists make a plea for fieldwork

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:24

The ASE’s Outdoor Science Working group – of which the FSC is a founder member - hosted a policy forum at the ASE’s Annual Conference at the University of Liverpool on 5th January 2012, led by a panel which included some of the UK’s most prominent scientists and science educators including Professors Steve Jones (University College London), Rob Marrs (University of Liverpool) and Justin Dillon (King’s College London). Andrew Miller MP, a local constituency MP and chair of the Science and Technology Committee, also participated.

5 reasons to try an FSC family break

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:25

Explore nature and try exciting new activities on a family holiday course with the Field Studies Council (FSC). The FSC is an environmental education charity which offers short breaks for families to enjoy together. Here are some of the top reasons why people choose them:

The FSC says government response to science field trips report 'lacks teeth'

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:27

Whilst welcoming the publication of the Government and Ofqual responses to the Science and Technology Committee's report into Practical Experiments in school science lessons and science field trips, the Field Studies Council (FSC) shares the disappointment of the committee's chair.

Glacier project going strong

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:28

Last weekend at the Royal Geographical Society Explore 2011 Weekend Tim Foster, Head of FSC Blencathra, met with Michael Palin, President of the Royal Geographical Society and Karen Weichert from the Norwegian Glacier Museum to discuss the success of the Tunsbergdalsbreen Project.

Field Studies Council response to the Department of Education teacher training plan

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:28

In response to the Department for Education's announcement on Initial Teacher Training Strategy Implementation Plan, Dr Steve Tilling, FSC’s Director of Communications, said: “FSC welcomes the attention that the DfE are giving to teacher training and the opportunity for organisations such as ours to work with the new Teaching Schools. However, we remain very concerned that fieldwork and outdoor learning will be neglected in future training. In particular, we believe that the apparent decision to jettison all central government guidance – including the outdoor teaching case studies that exemplify good practice – will lead to a further weakening of fieldwork training.

Lichen courses for all

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:29
The Field Studies Council (FSC) is offering a chance to learn about lichens with a series of special one-day courses starting next month. Run in association with the British Lichen Society Introducing Lichens 1 will include field excursions around the Centres and their surroundings, talks and identification skills.

New AIDGAP guide to British Plant Galls

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:30
The second edition of the popular AIDGAP guide British Plant Galls has been launched by the Field Studies Council (FSC). Containing around 300 keys to galls the guide is a great tool for identifying the many colourful and unusual specimens found on plants in Britain.

OPAL takes home runner-up trophy at prestigious Lottery Awards

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:31
The Open Air Laboratories project (OPAL) was recognised as one of the UK's best environment projects at the National Lottery Awards 2011 in London on Saturday 5 November.

Last chance to book Earthworm ID day

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:31
There is just over a week to go to book your space on Earthworm Identification, a one-day course being led by Dr David Jones from the Natural History Museum. Designed to introduce earthworms to anybody with an interest, including those whose appetite has been whetted by the OPAL Soil and Earthworm survey.

2012 course programmes launched

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:32
The new 2012 programmes of FSC individual and family courses have now been launched, offering a wide selection of courses which all use the natural world as inspiration.

Field Studies Council to run The Start Bay Centre

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:33
Leading environmental education charity the Field Studies Council (FSC) is pleased to announce that from early November it will be running The Start Bay Centre, near Slapton. Start Bay, which used to be managed by Devon County Council, will continue to offer all of the same facilities and services to customers under the FSC.

New training module for Sustainable Development

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:34
The FSC and partners from Spain, Finland and Sweden have developed a training module for teachers in adult education to help them explore sustainable development.

Creative craft courses this autumn

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:35
Whether you just want to try something a bit different when the nights draw in or you plan to make your own gifts for the festive season, autumn is a great time to try a craft course and learn new skill. The Field Studies Council (FSC) has a selection of short residential craft courses on offer at their field centres across the UK.

Science Field Trips in Parliament

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:36
FSC evidence features prominently in the parliamentary report into science practicals and field trips which was published on 14th September.

Olympic fieldwork in East London

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:37
The 2012 Olympics is a unique opportunity to investigate geography in action – the transformation of a derelict river valley, urban regeneration on a grand scale, the potential for a sustainable Olympics. It’s all here in east London, to be seen and explored. It’s the sort of geography that excites students and can be turned into a great learning experience.

Tips for cost-effective travelling

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:37
For teachers planning an off-site school visit cost is increasingly playing a major part in deciding where to go and, in the case of residential trips, how long to stay.

Beautiful butterflies and magnificent moths

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:38
Learn more about butterflies and moths with an identification course run by the Field Studies Council (FSC). Courses on butterflies and moths include Identifying Butterflies, Moths and Dragonflies, Highland Butterflies and Moths and Butterflies and Moths. Find out tips for identification and discover habitats which attract the different species.

Annual Darwin Scholarship Programme: Monitoring and Communicating Biodiversity

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:39
A short scholarship programme led by the Field Studies Council (FSC) in the UK. 21st August – 31st August 2012 at Preston Montford Field Centre, Shrewsbury & Juniper Hall Field Centre, Dorking, Nr London

Are you crazy about Climate Change?

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:40
Climate Week is Britain's biggest climate change campaign, backed by every part of society. It takes place from the 12th to 18th March this year and organisers are calling for people and organisations to get involved.

Creation of a Forest Education Network for England

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 02/02/2012 13:58:40
The creation of a Forest Education Network for England is a positive outcome from changes to funding for the Forest Education Initiative (FEI) in England.