Spend a week in spectacular Flatford Mill, immersing yourself in nature, making new friends and challenging yourself in a variety of stunning habitats. The course is run from Flatford Mill at the heart of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes visits to local RSPB sites and fabulous surveying sites and habitats. This course is designed to fulfil the criteria for the GOLD Duke of Edinburgh residential requirement.
Tutor: Simon Ward
Simon Ward is an expert in the field of outdoor education, and currently works at Flatford as part of the education team. He is passionate about conservation and biodiversity as well as sharing knowledge about the world around him.
Example Timetable
Monday
Arrival at midday. You will be shown to your rooms then given time to eat a packed lunch brought from home
Afternoon: Exploration of the local area and AONB
Evening: Basic bushcraft skills
Tuesday
Daytime: Biodiversity bonanza – Rocky shore survey and freshwater survey
Evening: Stargazing
Wednesday
Daytime: Practical conservation tasks around the centre grounds, using tools and new techniques
Evening: Bats and badgers
Thursday
Daytime: Discovery Hike and bird watching at RSPB Minsmere to find out more about conservation efforts
Evening: Mammal trapping
Friday
Daytime: Conservation in action – Make a bird box from scratch after seeing how to study the impacts of conservation efforts
Depart at 4pm
What's Included
Before You Attend
What to Bring
A good selection of warm and waterproof clothing, wellies are essential at the shore but you can hire them from the centre. Some identification books and binoculars will be made available on the course but if you have your own please feel free to bring them along. All the personal items you will need for a residential stay as including a towel.
A packed lunch for the first day.
Sorry this course has ended