Learning Locations

The FSC is aware of the importance of the right setting and right atmosphere to encourage learning. All Centres have been selected with great care over our 70 year history. Each is a delightful place in a rich and varied part of the country. As well as the formal work that is undertaken on courses, we aim to give visitors, teachers and students an enjoyable experience. Working out of doors in a range of environments, from natural, through intensively managed to built-up, has many educational benefits.

Many FSC Centres are historic buildings that have been a focus in the development of the landscape and environment in their immediate neighbourhood. The original buildings have been adapted and extended so that they have the full range of accommodation and services that visitors need.

14 of the 20 FSC Centres offer residential accommodation for between 70 and 130+ students. All residential centres also offer day courses. The remaining 6 Centres offer day courses for up to 180 students.

Centre Facilities

Each residential Centre has comfortable accommodation mostly in a mixture of twin and shared bedrooms or small dormitories. Nearly all rooms have wash basins, and toilet and shower facilities close by. All Centres have: a dining-room serving plenty of good food with vegetarian and other dietary options available; a drying room; a library with a wide range of environmental journals and other publications; computers for the analysis and presentation of data; a shop; and places for relaxation and recreation both in and out of doors. Above all, there are always friendly, trained staff on hand to deal with queries and ensure that everyone is well looked after, 24 hours a day.

Fieldwork Facilities

Fieldwork equipment is an integral part of each course and FSC Centres (residential and day) provide a full range of equipment and field sites not often available in schools. All Centres have a number of well-equipped laboratories and workrooms. Long-term data sets such as permanent plot records, aerial photographs, water quality and meteorological data are held by many Centres. Each field course is supported by a number of worksheets, information sheets and other documentation. Special clothing, where required, can be supplied at a reasonable extra charge.

Value for Money

FSC course fees include full board accommodation, tuition, the use of all fieldwork equipment, use of the library, laboratory and other facilities, plus pastoral care. Taking all this into account, an FSC experience offers great value for money!