Discover and Learn

It has never been more important for young people to have a sound understanding of the environment and wildlife.

Every year up to 15,000 children participate in our exciting and eye-opening environmental education activities. From minibeast trails and pond-dipping, to day conferences, role-playing and debate. Our aim is to make environmental education available to every schoolchild.
The Wildlife Trust offers environmental education to local schools and communities in two ways - through its Environmental Education Centres and through outreach work at schools and their local wildlife sites.

The Centre of the Earth near the Sandwell/Birmingham border, is a half-timbered eco-building. It was the first purpose built urban environmental education centre in Europe.
The Centre's landscaped grounds have a wide range of habitats, an open air theatre and plenty of room for all sorts of exciting activities. It is decorated with pieces of environmental art created by youngsters working alongside local artists. The Soho Loop canal runs alongside the site offering further exciting opportunities.

The EcoPark in east Birmingham has mainly outdoor facilities. As well as natural features such as woodland, grassland and large ponds there is a demonstration wildlife garden and eco-features such as wind and solar power generation, composting and water recycling.
The EcoPark has all the facilities to offer a full range of Forest Schools activities and options for schools wanting a long-tern project to explore the environment through horticulture.

The Moorcroft Centre, is in the middle of the Black Country. It is adjacent to Moorcroft Wood Local Nature Reserve, a fascinating site which offers opportunities for nature study at all key stages.
The centre has a fully equiped classroom and excellent all-weather facilities, such as the access for all path at Moorcroft Wood, meaning that we can offer exciting activities all year round.
For information on activities at our centres contact the Trust Office, or the contact given on each centres page. All our centres have a high standard of accessibility, but please check first about any specific needs your group may have.

Outreach

Our experienced education staff can run outreach projects for schools all across Birmingham and the Black Country. They can organise events and activities at school and or at local wildlife sites, allowing children to discover the astonishing wealth of wildlife that lives right on their doorstep whilst avoiding long journeys. Contact the Trust Office for details of how we can help you.
Other projects, such as Black Country Living Landscape work in defined areas. Please contact the project officers for details.