Runway's End Outdoor Centre's Environmental Programme
Empowering young minds
Climate change, sustainability and the environment are at the forefront of global conversation. But for educators, bringing these complex topics into classroom teaching can feel daunting.
The environmental programme at Runway’s End Outdoor Centre offers a powerful solution. We bridge the gap between theory and practice, immersing students in a captivating woodland setting where environmental education comes to life.
Beyond textbook learning
Students actively explore the natural world, collecting data, conducting experiments and making real-time observations. This hands-on approach encourages students to connect with nature and fosters a sense of environmental responsibility.
The programme is designed to align with curriculum objectives. Through engaging activities and expert instruction, students gain a solid understanding of key environmental concepts.
More than just the environment
While environmental education is our focus, the programme delivers a wealth of additional benefits. Students develop communication, teamwork and resilience through collaborative activities and challenges. Perhaps most importantly, we spark a sense of adventure and a lifelong love for the outdoors.
Tailored programmes
We are experts in tailoring programmes to suit all needs and all budgets, so if you cannot see anything which meets your requirements, then please reach out to our team who will be happy to create a bespoke programme for you.
Looking to explore nature at a lower cost? Consider our whole-class ‘Eco-Explorer’ days at just £13 a head and get hands-on with sustainability and ecosystems in our woodland setting.
Example timetable
This programme is for illustrative purposes; actual timetable may differ.
Biodiversity theme
Breakfast
Minibeast exploration
Lunch
Nightline
Pond explore
Evening
Bushcraft theme
Breakfast
Foraging and fire lighting
Lunch
Primitive crafts
Evening
Ecosystems and biomes theme
Breakfast
Caving
Lunch
Climbing
Pond explore
Evening
Energy theme
Breakfast
Caving
Lunch
Energy tracking and analysis
Evening
Exploration and navigation theme
Breakfast
Lunch
Evening
Exploring prehistoric Earth theme
Breakfast
Caving
Nature art
Lunch
Woodland walk (lichen science)
Primitive crafts
Evening
Forces and materials theme
Breakfast
Astronaut adventure
Lunch
Auto-belay climbing
Archery
Evening
Global citizenship theme
Breakfast
Lunch
Fire lighting
Evening
Vegetation theme
Breakfast
Foraging and fire lighting
Lunch
Abseiling
Evening
Life support systems theme
Breakfast
Lunch
Evening
Weather and climate theme
Breakfast
Lunch
Natural navigation
Woodland walk (lichen science)
Evening
What's included?
Follow-up information after your programme to evidence achievements and outcomes for both individuals and groups
A course director to support the smooth running of the trip with daily morning meetings feedback and reviews
1 free group leader place for every 10 participants booked
Programme tailored towards your school’s objectives and curriculum aims
Self-led evening activity resources (e.g. campfire, bat walk, nature trail, games equipment)
At least 50% of programme delivered in small group ratios (up to 12 students per instructor)
Up to 50% of programme delivered in larger groups (up to 36 students per instructor)
Meals and accommodation starting from dinner on day of arrival to lunch on departure day
Pre and post visit classroom resources related to your chosen environmental themes
Upgrade available:
- Pre-trip environmental tutor visit to school
- Lunch on day of arrival
- Environmental tutor led evening sessions
Pricing
Residential packages
From £61 per student per night
Day packages
From £24 per student
Outcomes
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Nature connectedness
Nature connectedness
Outdoor activities and play gives children the opportunity to learn how to cooperate and collaborate with peers.
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Wellbeing
Wellbeing
This involves looking after both your mental and physical health! Good wellbeing includes challenging yourself outside of your normal comfort zone.
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Teamwork
Teamwork
Good teamwork means working and communicating well with others. Everybody has an important role to play in a group and everyone should be involved.
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Resilience
Resilience
Strong resilience means being able to face tough challenges with a positive attitude and trying again if you don’t succeed first time.
Themes
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Biodiversity
Dig into the undergrowth, dip your toes into freshwater ecology and canoe down the canal to learn more about the vibrant world of invertebrates.
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Bushcraft
Learn how to make use of natural resources in a sustainable way and discover what can be created from materials found on the forest floor.
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Ecosystems and biomes
Explore diverse ecosystems in our artificial cave and neighbouring canal using state of the art field studies equipment.
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Energy
Track energy usage throughout the day and develop IT processing skills at the same time.
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Exploration and navigation
Uncover different methods of finding your way in the wild – from analogue orienteering to modern-day geographical placement systems.
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Forces and materials
Learn about the physical forces at play in the natural world and which materials will play a big part in a sustainable future.
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Global citizenship
Develop vitally important life skills for young people to become kind, aware, and well-rounded global citizens via activities focused on teamwork, confidence and communication.
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Life support systems
Get hands-on using a combination of adventurous activities and field studies techniques to learn about water and carbon cycles.
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Exploring prehistoric Earth
Find out about the natural climate fluctuations of Earth’s history, learn how fossils are formed and discover the geological landscapes around the UK.
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Vegetation
Appreciate the diverse world of plants large and small, within our biome and further afield, with aspects of bushcraft, climbing, nature art, and woodland adventures.
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Weather and climate
Explore microclimates and biomes by comparing weather in the forest, at height and on water.
Why choose us?
- We’re all about young people growing and gaining life enriching experiences
- Our prices are transparent with no hidden extras
- We are quality focused, and safety assured
- We have experience and have been operating since 1964
- We offer support to young people who need additional financial assistance
I learnt so much and loved everything we did, I hope to come back to Runways End soon!