This course is aimed at young people aged 16 and 24 years old who are interested in conservation and nature.
Our diverse and educational John Muir five day residential course includes a range of activities, focusing on the theme of nature and conservation.
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Spend a week immersing yourself in nature, making new friends and learning new skills. This residential is packed with a range of activities based around the theme of nature and conservation.
Sessions might include learning about the local wildlife, experiencing flora and fauna on a spectacular walk, taking part in a local conservation project, and trying out a range of bushcraft skills in nearby woodland.
It is ideal for any young people looking to get first-hand experience of conservation in action.
This course is perfect for young people with an interest in nature and their environment. No prior experience is required, so why not come along and learn about the nature and conservation of the area.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges)
Our residentials also give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. These types of skills help across many areas of life and are particularly good for including in job or education applications.
Transferable skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:
- Communicating with others
- Working as a team
- Managing your time
- Taking the lead
- Keeping focused
- Problem solving
- Decision making
You will be able to achieve the John Muir Award by the end of the week, and if you are doing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, this course is also an ideal way to complete the ‘Residential’ section of the award.
The John Muir Award focuses on four key areas: Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share. The four Challenges promote a holistic approach to outdoor experiences.
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, want to explore possible careers, or simply want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world, our range of opportunities and experiences offers something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Day 1
Arrive at 12.00
Afternoon
Lunch, Welcome and Introductions
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and get to know your team.
Discuss personal aims and objectives for the week
Team building games
Evening
Night Walk
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon
Practical Conservation
A day on a local practical conservation project.
Evening
Mammal trapping
An introduction to the use of Longworth traps and small mammal surveys.
Day 3
Morning
Water based day depending on centres location and facilities e.g. rocky shore exploration, canoe journey
Evening
Bat walk
Day 4
Morning/Afternooon
Each centre utilises its surrounding landscape and attractions to support you learning more about conservation and the environment. Today could include a day on the hills and birdwatching, learning more bushcraft skills or woodland management to exploring the surrounding area.
Evening
Camp fire
Relax around the fire – a chance to reflect on your experiences of the week and maybe toast a marshmallow or two.
Day 5
Morning
Wildlife Habitats
Afternoon
Reflection and final review of the course.
Depart 15:00
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport -
Lunch
Before You Attend
What shall I bring?
- Boots or wellingtons
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Hat and Gloves for warm and cold weather
- Wash kit
- Suitable clothing for the time of year
- Small day rucksack
- Head torch
- Water bottle and lunch box
This course is aimed at young people aged 16 and 24 years old.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges)
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 27, May 2024 12:00 - Fri 31, May 2024 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 27, May 2024 12:00 - Fri 31, May 2024 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 22, July 2024 12:00 - Fri 26, July 2024 15:30
The centre does offer pick up and drop off at Totnes station. Pick up is 12pm at Totnes station on arrival day, and drop off at Totnes station at 4.30pm on departure day. In addition to the course cost, this is £10.00 each way. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 22, July 2024 12:00 - Fri 26, July 2024 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 18 to 24 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 19, August 2024 12:00 - Fri 23, August 2024 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 or 17 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 26, August 2024 12:00 - Fri 30, August 2024 15:00
Set in Flatford Mill at the heart of Constable Country in Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this course includes visits to the local RSPB sites, as well as surveying sites and habitats. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 21, October 2024 12:00 - Fri 25, October 2024 15:30
The centre does offer pick up and drop off at Totnes station. Pick up is 12pm at Totnes station on arrival day, and drop off at Totnes station at 4.30pm on departure day. In addition to the course cost, this is £10.00 each way. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 28, October 2024 12:00 - Fri 01, November 2024 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 28, October 2024 12:00 - Fri 01, November 2024 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
