College Lake Environmental Education Centre
For our policy on school bookings during the coronavirus pandemic please see our Covid update.
A journey of learning and discovery at College Lake
Education programmes for Primary Schools
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A skilled education team will lead your day and engage children’s heads, hearts and hands.
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Imaginative activities offer links with Early Learning Goals, science and geography and give opportunities for developing literacy and numeracy skills.
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A beautiful nature reserve teeming with wildlife, created on the site of an old chalk quarry. Whatever the season, College Lake is the ideal place to visit for a day of learning outside the classroom.
Education programmes for Secondary Schools
- A level Biology and Environmental Science - If you are interested in bringing A level Biology or Environmental Science students to complete fieldwork on one of our sites please get in touch to discuss options.
A wonderful day with fantastic learning opportunities in picturesque surroundings.Buckingham Park School
What you need to know when you visit
- We offer fully-led days for pre-booked groups year round.
- Trips usually run from 10am – 2.30pm but timings can be flexible.
- We request a donation of £8 per child (or £5 for half-day programmes), adults are free.
- Minimum donation of £180 per class (£120 for half day sessions). Please note it may not be possible for us to accommodate requests for half day sessions in our peak periods.
- We are located in Bulbourne, on the B488 between the A41 and Ivinghoe (two miles north of Tring).
Our Programmes
Teddy Bears' Picnic - Reception and Lower KS1
Enjoy a day of stories, games and sensory outdoor exploration and remember, there is also a picnic in the woods so don’t forget to bring your teddy! Discover the four secrets of life that enable all animals to survive. Create a new home for your bear and watch out for signs of Chief Teddy Edward. A wonderful introduction to the natural world for your youngest children.
Habitat Safari - Upper KS1 and KS2
Hands-on nature discovery that your class will never forget. Choose three one-hour sessions:
Sensory Nature Walk: Experience sights, smells, sounds and touches.
Pond Dipping: Hands-on exploration of the pond.
Nature Detective Training: Hunt for clues and solve a nature mystery in the woods.
Bug Hunting: Hunt for mini-beasts in our woodland and meadow.
Bird Watching: Spot wetland and garden birds.
Micro-parks: Create a magical, mini-world in the woods.
Geology Rocks - KS2
Travel back in time and discover what College Lake was like millions of years ago when the land was under a tropical ocean. Find out how the chalk, fossils and rocks were formed and what secret discoveries have been uncovered. Enjoy a day of time travel through role play, walks and hands-on exploration. Discover how the landscape has changed and about the amazing wildlife which once made its home here.
Home Sweet Home - KS2
A habitats day with a twist. Come along and meet the Mayor of College Lake and Judge Mop-head! Through walks, simple role-play, discussion and debate, face the challenge of survival as an animal or plant. Later take on the role of Habitat Surveyors to save the woodland and work together to prove that wildlife is interconnected, adapted to its surroundings and needs protection.
A Wild Tale - KS2
Let College Lake inspire your children as they go on their very own wild adventure. Meet the warden and listen to his stories, enjoy outdoor sensory activities, solve a mystery in the woods and even put on a special play. This creative day is crafted to spark ideas, give inspiration to all young writers, and complement literacy activities when you get back to school. Tales and wildlife exploration will engage the whole class and wake up all your imaginations!
Earth Caretakers - Upper KS2
Take part in a day of exploration and adventure to learn five secrets of planet Earth. Go on a magical nature walk, discover a lost secret, learn about food chains on our energy flow training and solve a riddle. Your young Earth Caretakers can begin to see how they can make a difference to their planet and use ideas back at school.
At the end my head was whirling with sounds and thoughts of nature.Newton Blossomville School
Booking a trip is easy!
- Contact us on collegelakeeducation@bbowt.org.uk or 01442 826774.
- Discuss your topic choices and confirm the date/s with us.
- We’ll send out your booking pack, containing a booking form, risk assessments and location map.
- Complete the booking form and send it back to us before you visit.
Where to find us
We are located in Bulbourne, on the B488 between the A41 and Ivinghoe (two miles north of Tring) at:
College Lake Environmental Education Centre, Upper Icknield Way, Bulbourne, Tring, HP23 5QG
Download a map and directions
College Lake school visit by Helen Walsh
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Free Go Wild Guide
Whether you live in a town or the country there are new wildlife experiences waiting to be discovered right on your doorstep. Our Go Wild Guide is packed with exciting activities to get your children outdoors.
More ways to discover and learn
From planning a group visit to joining one of our wildlife clubs, there are lots of ways for young people to discover wonderful wildlife in our three counties.
