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 aged between 16 and 25 years, 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.

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.

This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.  If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.

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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

  • 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 open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.  If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

Opportunities to attend this course

  • Mon 24, July 2023 12:00 - Fri 28, July 2023 15:00

    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.

    Location
    Slapton Ley
    Region
    South West
    Price
    £370.00
    Tutor
    Centre Staff
  • Mon 07, August 2023 12:00 - Fri 11, August 2023 15:00

    Discover the beautiful and wildlife-rich county of Shropshire. This residential includes exploring the river on a canoeing journey.

    Region
    West Midlands
    Price
    £370.00
    Tutor
    Field Studies Council Staff
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Mon 14, August 2023 12:00 - Fri 18, August 2023 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.

    Region
    East of England
    Price
    £370.00
    Tutor
    Centre Staff
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Mon 21, August 2023 12:00 - Fri 25, August 2023 15:00

    Region
    South West
    Price
    £370.00
    Tutor
    Field Studies Council Staff
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Mon 23, October 2023 12:00 - Fri 27, October 2023 15:00

    Region
    South West
    Price
    £370.00
    Tutor
    Field Studies Council Staff
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item
  • Mon 23, October 2023 12:00 - Fri 27, October 2023 15:00

    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.

    Location
    Slapton Ley
    Region
    South West
    Price
    £370.00
    Tutor
    Centre Staff
    Pay a deposit of £100.00 per item