News

Tree-riffic new survey launched

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 10/05/2013 08:36:10

The latest survey from Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) has just been launched and will focus on the health of our tree population. Once again environmental education charity Field Studies Council (FSC) has worked with OPAL by producing survey packs through its Publications Unit.

Natural History Museum exclusive for Young Darwin Scholars

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 23/04/2013 14:35:10

Last week nine young people enjoyed a special behind-the-scenes visit to The Natural History Museum in London, where they learnt more about the wide ranging work of the Museum and saw some of the collections not open to the public.

Biodiversity Fellowship growing

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 28/03/2013 14:53:53

Over 300 people have joined a new FSC project since it began late in 2012 and many have booked onto training courses as part of the scheme. The Biodiversity Fellowship was established to increase the numbers, capabilities and geographical coverage of our volunteer biological recorders and has attracted a great deal of interest in its first few months.

Conference will explore science and sustainability through outdoor learning

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 26/03/2013 10:20:47

An exciting European conference will be taking place in Slovenia from 27-30 November 2013. The event is the second Real World Learning Network conference and will explore how to deliver successful outdoor education.

Free teaching resources with Lessons from Nature

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 20/03/2013 10:31:45

Provenance of meat and meat products at Field Studies Council Centres

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 20/02/2013 12:37:07

Field Studies Council (FSC) has for many years had a policy of sourcing food and other products as locally as possible which is an important element of our accreditation through Eco-Centres, Green Business and other award schemes.

OPAL has reached half a million to encourage new nature lovers

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 25/02/2013 10:45:21

Botany, bats and butterflies - navigate the natural world in The Royal Parks

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/04/2013 10:42:06

Field Studies Council (FSC) has teamed up with The Royal Parks to launch a new programme of one-day courses, in urban locations to enable more people than ever to get back to nature. The range of handy, affordable, one day courses will take place in iconic London parks during 2013.

Lessons from Nature - new European training course

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 20/03/2013 10:14:45

New courses are here!

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 07/11/2012 09:58:21

The fresh new Field Studies Council (FSC) natural history, arts and family courses are now available to view on the website, or through our printed brochures.

Success for Biological Recording course

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 06/09/2012 09:57:10

Field Studies Council (FSC) is pleased to confirm that they have a new partner for the successful Biological Recording and Species Identification programme, which they have been running with the University of Birmingham for almost 20 years. The Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) will be the new awarding institution for the programme ensuring it will continue to run in the future.

Darwin and his birthplace inspire new generations

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 24/08/2012 09:57:26

Field Studies Council (FSC) Centre Preston Montford in Shropshire, birthplace of Charles Darwin, is hosting two groups of budding young scientists this month. The groups are taking part in special scholarship courses inspired by the naturalist.

Young Darwin Scholars Explore Charles Darwin’s Home County

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 20/08/2012 13:29:26

Blencathra welcomes boost to rural economy in Cumbria

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/09/2012 11:58:02

Local MP Rory Stewart welcomed Agriculture Minister Jim Paice to FSC Blencathra to meet with local businesses and announce an investment of £3.5 million into Cumbria's rural economy. The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce estimates this will create an estimated 900 jobs and almost 500 new businesses in the process.

Discover meres and mosses

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 24/08/2012 09:37:35

New workshop on fieldwork for IB

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 17/09/2012 13:21:14

Field Studies Council will be delivering an exciting IB workshop on fieldwork and internal assessment for ESS/Biology IB teachers. The workshop will be based at Pang Soong Lodge Field Centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand and take place this December.

Road race passes FSC

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 31/07/2012 14:31:21

Over the weekend the London 2012 Olympic cycling road races passed two fabulous FSC locations; Juniper Hall at Box Hill in Surrey and Bushy Park, one of the Royal Parks where FSC are the environmental education provider.

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 18/04/2012 12:27:47

The National Trust has launched a campaign to encourage children to get outdoors more, 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. It follows their report earlier this year which identifies that many of our children show signs of ‘nature deficit disorder’ and don’t interact enough with nature between the ages of seven and twelve.

Fieldwork HackDay a real success

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 25/05/2012 15:43:11

A unique group of designers, developers, scientists and educators gathered together over the weekend for the first HackDay to be hosted by the Field Studies Council (FSC). Those who attended worked hard creating prototypes and developing ideas for innovative new educational tools such as apps and new software which will help to enhance fieldwork.

New Vision North project wins lottery grant

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/09/2012 11:57:53

The Big Lottery Fund Reaching Communities programme committee have today awarded the Field Studies Council (FSC) a vital grant to help fund their new Vision North project, working with visually impaired young people from the North West.

Leading scientists make a plea for fieldwork

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 09/02/2012 12:52:09

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 — 29/03/2012 09:28:50

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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:12

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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:13

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.

Get online today for free teaching resources

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 13/02/2012 14:55:52

Mind the Gap has launched its new-look website, offering a great selection of free teaching resources for primary and secondary school teachers. Mind the Gap is an innovative project which explores sustainability issues and encourages students to think about their own lives and communities.

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

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 09/02/2012 12:52:14

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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:15
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:17
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:18
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.

Wild about flowers

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 18/07/2012 10:33:09
Want to identify that wildflower or just find out more about British blooms? FSC offers a range of wildflower courses for all levels of experience.

Last chance to book Earthworm ID day

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 09/02/2012 12:52:19
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.

Field Studies Council to run The Start Bay Centre

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 09/02/2012 12:52:21
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:22
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:24
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:25
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:26
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:27
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 — 09/02/2012 12:52:29
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.

Creation of a Forest Education Network for England

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 09/02/2012 12:52:32
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.

Brilliant bird watching courses

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 18/04/2012 12:30:31
See what you can discover about birds with an array of bird watching courses on offer from Field Studies Council (FSC). There are a wide variety of courses available including Bird Identification, Bird Survey Techniques and Bird Watching for Beginners. With spring on the way it’s a fantastic time to start learning about the birds in your garden and local area.

Leap into learning about the natural world

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 20/02/2012 11:54:18

An island paradise (Enewsletter March12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/04/2012 16:06:03

Flower power (Enewsletter April 12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 05/04/2012 15:32:24

Inspired by London 2012 (Enewsletter April 12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/04/2012 16:04:24

Ways to welcome wildlife to your garden (E-newsletter May12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 08/05/2012 10:00:31

A beeautiful new home (Enewsletter May12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/05/2012 16:27:04
Bee hotels are a wonderful way to help boost the populations of local bees. Many bees live in hives but others set up solitary nests in small spaces like holes or stems. Using lots of hollow tubes bee hotels create ideal conditions for these bees. Having one close by is a great way to observe bees coming and going as well as helping them out with a safe place to live.

Quirky caddisfly (Enewsletter May12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/05/2012 10:30:30

Oily discovery at Oswestry (Enewsletter June12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 01/06/2012 08:53:12

Starting lifelong learning about wildlife (Enewsletter June12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 01/06/2012 08:51:47
Thanks to a generous legacy from the Saker family, 90 pupils from schools near FSC Amersham are able to visit the Centre for four days each autumn to explore the outdoors and take part in the John Muir Award.

Vote for your winning spring photograph (Enewsletter June12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 01/06/2012 10:59:58

Buzzing about bee courses

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 29/05/2012 16:13:16

Worldwise winners 2012

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/09/2012 12:20:39
Reading School were crowned champions of the 2012 Worldwise Challenge, a popular free weekend of geography fieldwork and presentations led by the Geographical Association (GA), which took place at FSC Blencathra in the Lake District last month.

Butterfly numbers at risk? (Enewsletter July12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 22/06/2012 09:35:50

Transversal Study Visit – Science Outside

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 21/06/2012 08:27:16
Using the natural world for teaching science in March 2013 at Castle Head Field Centre.

Changes to FSC Articles of Association

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 22/06/2012 13:24:53
Subject to agreement at the FSC Annual General Meeting on 7th July 2012, the FSC's Memorandum and Articles of Association will be updated from the previous version dated 19th July 2008.

Inspirational IB fieldwork

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 18/07/2012 10:32:13
Inspire your students on one of a new range of IB fieldwork courses which have been launched by Field Studies Council (FSC).

Painting courses en plein air

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 19/07/2012 11:06:26
Enjoy the beautiful natural world on a Field Studies Council (FSC) painting course. Improve your painting technique while exploring a stunning part of the UK.

Seashore Quiz answers (enewsletter Aug12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 20/08/2012 13:10:29

Muddled up migration (Enewsletter Sept12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/09/2012 08:44:48

Seasonal species (Enewsletter Sept12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/09/2012 08:30:34

Autumn Photography Competition (Enewsletter Sept12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/09/2012 08:29:51
After the success of our spring competition, which was won with this great image by Tom Bell, we are now running an autumn themed photography competition.

Real World Learning Network Conference in the Czech Republic

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 23/08/2012 15:05:35
Effective Learning Approaches to Outdoor Learning How do we learn about the world around us? Can we deliver better learning using the outdoors? How can science help to change behaviours towards a more sustainable world? These are just some of the questions that the Real World Learning Network is exploring.

New look for FSC brochures (enewsletter Oct12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 03/10/2012 10:09:20

Improving our FSC Centres (enewsletter Oct12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 03/10/2012 10:10:22

Take a line for a walk

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 01/10/2012 09:50:16
Take a line for a walk and explore Blencathra.

Key to the earthworms of the UK and Ireland

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 11/10/2012 10:17:53
From Dendrobaena worms in compost to lob worms in angling bait, the humble earthworm is justly celebrated. Now for the first time a user-friendly guide has been published to help put a name to all 27 different species found in the UK and Ireland.

Photography winners! (Enewsletter Nov12)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 09/11/2012 16:49:03

Know the name, unlock the story (Enewsletter April13)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/04/2013 10:06:04

Which great species? (Enewsletter April13)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/04/2013 10:20:50

2013 Young Darwin Scholarship Opens

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 04/04/2013 11:55:18
Applications for 2013 Young Darwin Scholarship now open.

Year 7 literacy and numeracy catch-up premium

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 25/04/2013 15:16:51

Preston Montford’s new wildlife review

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 29/04/2013 14:13:42
Shropshire-based field centre Preston Montford has recently compiled a report on the array of wildlife that can be found in the various ponds, woodlands and rivers of its beautiful surrounding areas to the west of Shrewsbury. Preston Montford is one of a national network of 17 Field Studies Council (FSC) Centres.

Exploring the Seashore and Beyond with Monty Halls

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 29/04/2013 15:13:27

Sizzling summer family breaks

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 14/05/2013 12:40:39
Traverse the thrilling terrain of the Scottish Highlands, take a safari trip through the scenic Shropshire surroundings, or learn survival skills in the spectacular surroundings of the Lake District, all budget saving summer breaks for families from environmental educational charity, Field Studies Council (FSC).

Anniversary celebrations at Amersham

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 22/05/2013 16:15:12

Scholar success (enewsletter June13)

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 21/05/2013 07:56:12

Project with Pond Conservation secures HLF funding

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 21/05/2013 10:33:47
Pond Conservation in Oxford has received initial support for a £900,000 bid from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its ‘People, Ponds and Water’ project. FSC will be helping deliver part of the project.

Nature Bingo

webmaster@field-studies-council.org — 24/05/2013 14:34:39