The Teachers’ Guide to PURBECK - University College Dublin · 2008-11-05 · The Teachers’ Guide to PURBECK 2 Purbeck Here is a place where sand lizards shuffle in spring sunshine,

T h e Te a c h e r s ’ G u i d e t o

P U R B E C K


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PurbeckHere is a place where sand lizards shuffle in spring sunshine, dragonflies hawk over lily toppedpools, where deer tread dew-soaked meadows, nightjars serenade the sunsets, dolphins frolicand rare orchids shiver in the crisp sea breeze. This corner of southern England is incredibly richin wildlife of all kinds due to its great diversity of habitats, coastal aspect and proximity tomainland Europe. Thus Purbeck is not only a magnet for naturalists, but also a destination forthousands of young people who come to taste these riches for the first time. Against a backdropof rolling hills, yellow beaches, bruised heathlands and spectacular cliffs, they are able to safelyenjoy access to this globally unique environment on a network of nature reserves, country parksand estates, and over a web of some of the best footpaths anywhere in Britain. From a bevy ofSites of Special Scientific Interest to the nations only natural World Heritage Site this has to bethe best outdoor classroom anywhere in Britain!

This Teachers’ Guide is designed to outline some of the key features and opportunities thisresource has to offer. It spans the many interests of the partners in this project from heritage tonatural history and I hope that it will excite teachers and pupils alike. Once stirred into action Ihope they will explore the area with keen, fresh eyes and realise its great value and the need toprotect and conserve the people, places and wildlife of Purbeck for future generations of youngDarwins and Attenboroughs. So come on, get down on your knees, peer through the heatherand spy on the secret antics of those sand lizards. In May the males are like little jewelleddragons. Ooohh! . . . Quite literally brilliant!

Chris PackhamNaturalist and Broadcaster 2006

Rare species

ContentsWhy Purbeck? 4

Planning a Visit 5

Primary 6

Physical Geography 8

Human Geography 10

Science 12

History 14

Creative Arts 16

Adventure Activities 18

Education Centres 20

Useful Contacts 25

Map of Purbeck ShowingCentre Locations 26

Matrix of Activities 27


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Natural beautyPURBECK

London

Brighton

Travel Map

Dorchester

Southampton

Reading

Bristol

Taunton

Exeter

Torquay

Cardiff

Salisbury

Bournemouth

Swindon

M5

M4

M3 M25

M5

Gloucester Oxford

M23

3 hours travelling time

Plymouth

Purbeck also has a rich human history with over512 listed archaeological sites includingNeolithic and Iron Age hill forts, medievalcastles and field systems, a Victorian touristtown, steam railway and WW2 defences. Stonequarrying has operated in Purbeck since Romantimes and continues to this day. The famousPurbeck stone has been used in many buildingsincluding Westminster Abbey and CanterburyCathedral. Purbeck also has a fascinating historyof smuggling and was the centre for this illicittrade during the 1700s.

Such a beautiful region has been the inspirationfor some well known authors including ThomasHardy, Jane Austen, PD James and Enid Blyton.Lawrence of Arabia also made his home inPurbeck.

The Purbeck area offers numerous opportunitiesfor adventure activities including dragon boatracing, rock climbing and abseiling, orienteering,kayaking, sailing, high ropes, survival training,team building and many more.

120,000 students visit Purbeck each year. Thefollowing pages in this guide will give you a tasteof their experiences and examples of the topicsbeing studied. Each visiting group has uniquerequirements, the experienced staff at theeducational centres will help you plan a visit tomeet all your objectives.


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Why Purbeck?Purbeck forms the most accessible eastern endof 'The Jurassic Coast' and is internationallyrenowned for its geology and geomorphology.The coast is designated a World Heritage Siteand is one of the most significant earth sciencesites in the world, displaying a remarkablecombination of internationally renownedfeatures. www.jurassiccoast.com

The landscape and wildlife of Purbeck areshaped by interaction between the geology,natural processes and human influence,resulting in an environment of exceptionalquality and unrivalled diversity. Purbeck has oneof the highest concentrations of protectedhabitats of any area in the Britain with over 30habitats identified and protected by national andinternational conservation designations.

Purpose ofGuideThe Teacher’s Guide is intended toalert teachers to the exceptionaleducational opportunities andfacilities in Purbeck and to assist inplanning outdoor educational visitsto the area.

The Purbeck educational centreslisted in this guide have anexcellent reputation for deliveringinnovative, enjoyable and safelearning experiences to students ofall ages from 4 to 80 years old!The qualified and experienced staffare experts in the Purbeck region.The centres are also committed tooperating to high standards topreserve the unique environmentthat make Purbeck so special. Allthe education centres will supportindividual groups to organise acustomised study programme.

Impressive landscape

Unusual wildlife


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1 Set clear objectives for your trip and prioritisethese

2 Check your school and LEA policies on educational visits

3 Liaise with your school's EVC (Educational Visits Coordinator) and colleagues for additional advice

4 Use the Teachers’ Guide to find a suitably located centre for your visit

5 Involve your students in the planning of the visit where possible

6 Contact the Purbeck educational centres to explain your objectives, receive advice and begin to plan your visit in detail

7 Arrange a pre-visit with the centres to confirm your objectives will be met and prepare written risk assessments with supportfrom the education centre staff

8 Consider and develop contingency planning with the education centre staff

9 Consider competence of staff from your school and enquire about the qualifications of the staff at the education centres

10 Ask the educational centres for pre-visit information and activities to prepare your students for their visit and also ask about follow-up activities for when you return from Purbeck

11 Review and evaluate with your students if thevisit met your objectives and give this feedback to the Purbeck educational centres

Check List for Planning anEducational Visit to Purbeck

Education is not something to keep in a box, even when the box is classroom-shaped.The habit of learning, an urge to find out more, is developed when we feel inspired.The world outside the school is richly inspiring, constantly re-energising what takes placewithin the classroom. It is the source of all our learning - about our history, about ourculture, about our place in the natural world and our relationships with each other.- Real World Learning Campaign Develop

understanding

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Purbeck’s wide range of habitats across a smallarea encourages an incredible biodiversity andhas led to the region being described as the‘rainforest’ of the UK. Purbeck is also blessedwith world famous geology creating stunningrocky coasts of high cliffs, steep valleys andclean sandy beaches (this part of the coast is aUNESCO World Heritage Site). Looking into therock pools allows children a glimpse of thehidden riches of the seas which supportdolphins, whales and large colonies of sea birds.

Purbeck provides the perfect opportunity formany science and geography based topics.Habitat comparison, feeding relationships,coastal processes and environmental issues canbe brought to life and concepts that are difficultto put into context can be seen or demonstratedfirst hand.

The area also boasts a rich history from ancientsettlements, medieval castles, Victorian townsand WW2 defences. Students can step into theshoes of pirates and smugglers, become asoldier in the English Civil War or experienceVictorian Swanage through the eyes of the richand poor.

Purbeck has a long history of quarrying andfishing which shaped the settlements of thearea. Today it is the millions of tourists,introduced by the Victorians, that influencedevelopment making Purbeck an ideal place tostudy changes in villages and towns. Groups alsostudy the impact all these visitors have on theenvironment.

Many artists and authors have chosen Purbeckas their inspiration and the breathtakingsurroundings of Purbeck are perfect forstimulating your students’ more creative sides.Explore the works of Enid Blyton, in the area shecalled home or create an environmentalmasterpiece in the style of Andy Goldsworthy.

Examples of outdoor adventure activities inPurbeck are listed in this guide and a school visitwill help develop team skills, confidence buildingand above all is great fun. Students can also gettheir hands dirty and experience practical habitatconservation, learning the importance of humaninfluence on the environment.

The residential and day visit centres listed in thisguide work to the highest standards to supportschools achieve their objectives for their visit toPurbeck.

T h e T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e t o

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Wonder


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PrimaryPurbeck will really introduce the‘wow’ factor into primary teaching.Do you want to explore thegruesome reality behind castle living,investigate who eats who in theheathland ‘jungle’ or challenge yourstudents to push their boundaries ona high ropes course? Thepossibilities are endless, providing anamazing array of topics, subjectsand cross curriculum opportunities,Purbeck has it all!

Identify Invigorate

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T h e Te a c h e r ’ s G u i d e t o

P U R B E C KT h e Te a c h e r s ’ G u i d e t o

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Environmentalstewardship

Teambuilding

Confidence

Contrastinglocalities

Smugglersand pirates

EnglishCivil War

Famousauthors

Myths &legends

Story telling /writing

Ancientsettlementof Britain

WW2

Drama

Poetry

Digitalmultimedia

Famousartists

Sculpture innatural

materials

Beach littercollages

Victorian

Medieval

Coasts

Habitats

Variation andclassification

Feedingrelationships

PRIMARY

History

P.S.H.E.

Lifecycles

Rocksand soils

Adaptation

Science

Art

Geography

LiteracyResponsibility

• Habitat loss• Footpath erosion

• Honey-pot tourism

• Sedimentary• Formation

• Comparison• Fossils

• Villages and towns• Changing employment

• Romans• Anglo-Saxon

• Vikings

• Castles• Domestic life

• Corfe Castle

• Frogs• Butterflies• Marine life

• Animals• Plants

• Using keys

• ‘Wreckers’• Origins of coastguard

• Rich and poor• Children in quarries

• Railways• Tourism, holidays

• Defenceagainst invasion• Invention of

radar• Land for

military exercises

• Marine• Freshwater• Grassland• Heathland

EnvironmentRivers

Settlement

• Features • Features• Defence

• Thomas Hardy• Enid Blyton

Expert cross curricular assistance for planning your visit is available by contacting any of the centres listed in this guide.

Examples of Topics Studied by Primary Students in Purbeck

Outdooradventurous

activities

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The short journey of discovery begins on thediscordant coastline in the east, where youcruise the meandering River Frome to spill intoPoole Harbour. Beyond the entrance, follow theshifting sand dunes of Studland as you surfalong to the stacks of Old Harry Rocks. Sailround the headland to the sweeping bay ofSwanage and up onto the craggy limestone cliffsof Durlston. Stride the concordant cliff topsperched above the pounding waves at DancingLedge, and dip down to the oil and fossil richclays of Kimmeridge. Soar over towering verticalcliffs of pure white chalk and dive into theturquoise seas of Lulworth Cove. Emerge to viewthe awe-inspiring folds of the Lulworth Crumple,and gently float through the massive arch atDurdle Door. Finally, land on the beach with anew wealth of knowledge to take from thisbountiful trip.

With such a rich abundance of sites within asmall area, ranging from the most southwesterly chalk streams in Britain to spectacularcoastal landforms, Purbeck can offer a greatvariety of learning opportunities, set in a naturaland exhilarating environment. Purbeck has themost northerly evidence of the alpine mountainbuilding period, as well as one of the finestexamples of late Jurassic-early Cretaceous rocksequences in the world. This contains a treasuretrove of fossils, ranging from a well preservedJurassic forest to some of the longest dinosaurtrackways ever found. Being one of the bestunderstood sedimentary basins in the world, thisregion is an ideal place to learn about physicalgeography, whether your students are new to thesubject, or looking to add to the list of over3,000 species of cretaceous insects found atDurlston.

Come to Purbeck and with the aid of localexpertise study: geological timescales; formationof rocks; plate tectonics; folding; processes oferosion and weathering; coastal landforms oferosion and deposition; future coastal evolutionand coastal management. River profiles, flows,and features of erosion and deposition can alsobe explored.

Practise field techniques such as: sketching;transects; quadrats; measuring longshore drift;beach and sand dune profiles; as well as riverprofiles and flow rates.

Investigate


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Explain

PhysicalGeographyA premier place in the Britain forstudying physical geography, a tripto the Isle of Purbeck is anadventure through a beautiful andvaried landscape, rich in learningopportunities. The coastline featuresin textbooks globally and in 2001 itwas designated part of England'sfirst natural World Heritage Site forits geology and geomorphology.

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Measure


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Features of erosionand deposition

Flood protectionand drainage

Fieldsketches

Sand duneprofiles

Soil structureand condition

Sediment gradingand sorting

River profilesand flow rates

Fossils

Formation ofsedimentary

rocks

Longshore drift

Beach profiles

Graphs

Kite Diagrams

Statisticaltests

Coastaldefences / cliff

stabilisation

PHYSICALGEOGRAPHY

Primary datacollection

Jurassic CoastWorld Heritage Site

www.jurassiccoast.com

Beach replenishment

Processes of erosionand weathering

Plate tectonics,folding and faulting

Coastal landformsof erosion and

deposition

Development / migration

Future coastal evolution

Conservationand habitats

Sand dunes

Rivers

Rocksand soil

Geomorphology

ManagementissuesData

Analysis

Freshwater ecology

Water quality

Geological time scales


Examples of Physical Geography Topics Studied in Purbeck

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The Isle of Purbeck is made up of many smallvillages, ideal for rural studies. These come inboth nucleated form (e.g. Corfe Castle,spreading out from the original castle) andlinear, such as Langton Matravers whose originlies in quarrying. Many of the villages and townsare within easy reach of each other, making anideal day for comparing and contrasting thedifferences, their services and resident needsand how this has gone on to affect the futuredevelopment of the area.

Swanage itself is a former fishing village, whichthen made its fortune from Purbeck stone andlater from tourism. There are two aspects tourban studies in Swanage which can be appliedseparately or as part of a package: townmorphology and tourism study. Concentrating oncentral Swanage the students can study the

service provision in the town and see forthemselves the effects of tourism. Students canexplore the impacts of tourism on the social,environmental and economic sustainability ofSwanage and propose solutions for some of theproblems they have identified. It is possible tostudy the variety of impacts on this seasideresort, especially how the age demographics arecatered for, and differing opinions regarding thetourist versus local services debate.

There are plenty of locations for investigating avariety of coastal management schemes. Thehighly defended town of Swanage can becompared with Lulworth where managementdictates no sea defences. Good comparisonscan be made with the management strategies atLulworth Cove and Knoll Beach, Studland; twosites managing high numbers of visitors from avariety of user groups. Both sites provideexcellent opportunities for data collection whenlooking at the impacts of footpath erosion onthe local area causing visual scars anddisturbance of habitats.

Practise field techniques such as: visitor surveys,mapping, bi-polar analysis and landscapeevaluation.


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Record

HumanGeographyPurbeck is an ideal area in which tostudy human influence over thelandscape, a 2000 year old stoneindustry that has seen boom, bustand a recent renaissance, adepressed fishing industry and athriving tourist industry serving 5million visitors each year. Study howthe settlements have changed andhow pressures from tourismchallenge communities and services.

Enjoy

Question


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Concentricand linear

Habitat loss anddisturbance

Visitorsurvey

Landscapeevaluation

‘Honey-pot’ sitesand issues

Practical solutions tomanagement issues

Footpath erosion

Interpretation

Transport

Bi-polar analysis Footpath studies

Conflict betweenlandscape user

groups Positive andnegative effects

of tourism

Comparison of different touristlocations (rural / urban)

HUMANGEOGRAPHY

Coastal zonemanagement

Primary datacollection Transport

Accommodation

Develop or conserve?

Settlements

Travel and tourism

ServicesDemographics

Villages and towns

Employment


Examples of Human Geography Topics Studied in Purbeck

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A days walk can take you from the mudflats andwaders of Poole Harbour, across the dunes andheaths of Studland, where sand lizards lazeamongst the heather, to the chalk ridge ofBallard Down. From there, stroll across theflower-filled downland from Durlston to Lulworth,listening to the noisy babble of guillemots andpuffins on the cliffs.

Purbeck's seas are also bursting with life - fromthe Sabellaria reefs of Swanage Bay, Durlston'sdolphins and the beautiful "underwater gardens"and accessible and diverse rockpools ofKimmeridge Bay. Purbeck is also the home forthe rare black-faced blenny and the mosteasterly known stronghold for our native softcoral the pink seafan.

The South Purbeck Coast forms the longest un-interrupted stretch of coastal limestonegrassland in Europe. The short grazed turf andscrub is of global importance for plant life, fromthe tiny pink stars of the endemic early Englishgentian to Purbeck's speciality - the bizarre andbeautiful early spider orchid (with over 80% ofthe British population occurring betweenDurlston and Lulworth). In spring and summer,the air is filled with butterflies (over 40 speciesbreed in Purbeck), including nationally importantpopulations of Adonis blue and Lulworth skipper.

More than 5% of Britain's remaining lowlandheath occurs in Purbeck - a stronghold forspecies such as nightjar and smooth snake,while the chalk streams of the Frome support ahuge variety of invertebrate species.

This dizzying variety of habitats and speciesmakes Purbeck the ideal place to study science;adaptations, food webs, contrasting habitattypes, life processes and classification,contrasting localities and habitats and humanimpacts on the environment.

Purbeck's wildlife is matched by a wealth of fieldstudies expertise. For more than 30 years,rangers, wardens and education staff have beeninspiring students with awe and wonder at thebeauty, complexity and uniqueness of Purbeck'sincredible natural heritage.

Observe

Discover

Classify

Life ScienceDiscover Purbeck

When it comes to the study ofbiology, there is simply nowherebetter in Britain than Purbeck. Justabout every type of habitat youcould hope to study is crammedinto this incredible corner ofEngland, giving it a greater numberof recorded species than anywhereelse in Britain.

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Landmanagement

Marine

Biodiversity

LIFESCIENCE

Feedingrelationships

Comparecontrasting

habitats

WoodlandMarine and coastal

Habitats

Humanimpacts

• Managing conflicts• Sustainable development • Evolution / fossil record

Tourism management

• eg. Wildflower quadrats • eg. Bird watching


Classification

Adaptation

• eg. Dolphinsand the marine

environment

• People and wildlife• Practical conservation work

• Farming

• Underwater noise• Beach litter surveys

•Over fishing• Disturbance

Heathland

Diversity

Grassland

• Scrub• Ancient woodland• Woodland pasture

• Conifer forest

• Maritime heaths• Wet heaths

• Bogs and fens

• Traditional hay meadows• Grazed downland

• Farmland

• Sand dunes• Sea cliffs• Mud flats• Rockpools• Eel grass

• Sabellaria reefs

Examples of Science Topics Studied in Purbeck

Competitionand predation Food webs

• eg. Bug hunting• eg. Rock pooling

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Spectacular footpaths give access to prehistoricburial sites and hill forts, and over much ofPurbeck there is visible evidence of formeragricultural systems, such as banks, ditches,lynchets and field boundaries.

The evocative ruins of Corfe Castle dominatethe area, and visiting the castle and itsassociated hands-on facilities provides excellentaccess to medieval and Civil War history. Andwhile the Castle was for the posh folk, the villagesettlements which are such a feature of Purbeckwere developing for the working folk.

The link which connects all aspects of Purbeck'spast is stone - Kimmeridge shale in Romantimes, and then Purbeck's limestones: medievalPurbeck 'Marble', Portland limestone for 17thCentury London, export from Swanage in

Victorian times, and paving, roofing andbuilding stone throughout.

In the 18th Century, extraction, carriage andexport of ball clay by Wedgewood et aliabecame a major industry and lead to Purbeck'sfirst railways; many of these can still be followedas footpaths and bridleways.

Swanage is an excellent example of a smallVictorian seaside resort; a surprising amount ofthe town's well-documented Victorian heritageremains clearly visible.

The stunning coastline has had its own impacton Purbeck's past. The cliffs have been quarriedfor stone and minerals, the headlands used aslookouts, and caves and quarries used bysmugglers for storing contraband. Countlessships have foundered on the reefs and rocks,from the time of King Alfred to the present day.Relics of defensive structures from the two WorldWars, notably at Studland and Durlston, indicatethe importance of this coastline for the nation.

Although many publications describe thefascinating history of Purbeck, nothing beatsmaking use of the local experts to interpret thisrich tapestry. As well as museums andinterpretation centres, the rangers, wardens andeducation staff of the field centres of Purbeckare available to bring the past to life and thusilluminate the present.


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ExperienceExplore

HistoryPurbeck's Past - It's all here, fromprehistory to World War II. Thelandscape of Purbeck is scatteredwith evidence of former people,culture, and industries, andalthough a few sites grab thelimelight, there's plenty more toengage and inspire youthful mindsand bring the past to life.

Empathise

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P U R B E C K


Examples of History Topics Studied in Purbeck

Decline inquarrying

Retirement andsecond homes

‘Beaker’people

Field systems(strip lynchets)

Army ranges(Tyneham village)

Threat of invasion (pill boxes and tank traps)

Agriculturalrevolution

Industrialisation(John Mowlem, George Burt)

Expansionof trade

Transport(railways)

Smuggling

Tourism

Quarrying Medicine

Costumes

Cathedrals /religion

Monarchists /royalists

Village andcastle life

Radar

Hillforts

Parliamentarians

Siege of Corfe Castle

HISTORYWW2

Britain after1900

English Civil War

Britain1500 - 1750

Archaeology

Britain1066 - 1500

The shaping ofBritish society

before theNorman conquest

Britain1750 - 1900

Fishing

Tourism

• Restoration ofcathedrals

• Apprenticeships

• Sustainability• Current issues

- Marine Bill

Barrows

Preservation versusdevelopment

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Inspire

Create

Creative Arts“On the left, Durlston Head roaringhigh and low like a giant asleep.On the right a Thrush. Above thebird hangs a new moon and asteady planet."Thomas Hardy, 1875.

The Isle of Purbeck has alwaysbeen a source of inspiration forartists, writers, sculptors and poets.

A rich diversity of landscapes has inspired manyworks of art and literature, from the wild, opendowns - jewelled with wildflowers in summer withspectacular views, lonely and mist shrouded inwinter. The "iron coast and angry waves" of thesouth Purbeck coast are in contrast to the quietshores of Poole Harbour and the wet woods andreedbeds at Arne, providing students withopportunities to explore landscapes in visualarts, in the company of celebrated artists likeGraham Sutherland, John Piper and Paul Nash,whose seminal "Swanage and SeasideSurrealism", described the power of thelandscapes of Purbeck.

A rich tapestry of history, myth and folklore iswoven around the Isle of Purbeck, inspiringwriters from Thomas Hardy, John Galsworthy,Enid Blyton and more recently, Paul Hyland.

Smugglers’ tales of the coast, the curiousVictorian history of Swanage and a wealth ofCivil War stories woven around Corfe Castleprovide a rich vein of inspiration for youngwriters.

Art and design play a vital role in interpretingPurbeck's natural heritage, throughinterpretation and displays. Many sites inPurbeck offer the chance to work with studentsto analyse existing displays and help them createtheir own.

Other opportunities include the use of creativework to explore environmental themes, theopportunity to display work to visitors orcontribute new artwork and use field sketchingto understand Purbeck’s incredible wildlife.

Design

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Examples of English Language and Art Topics Studied in Purbeck

Conserveor develop?

Enid Blyton

Jane Austin William BarnesThomas Hardy Henry Fielding

Reports

Creativewriting

Science Posters Informationleaflets

School ‘newspaper’

Story walks

Story telling

Poetry

Discuss /Argue

Geography

Science / Ecology Kite making

Multimedia

Video

ImagesPaul Nash

Graham Sutherland

Making musicalinstruments

Natural andbuilt landscape

Environmentalart

Stonecarving

FamousartistsICT

Creative artand design

Observationaldrawing andfield sketches

Purbeck masonsand sculptors

Natural collageand sculpture

Famousauthors

CREATIVEARTS

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The Jurassic coastline provides stunninglocations for climbers of all abilities. DancingLedge near Langton Matravers offers greatclimbing for novices, whereas other areas oncliffs near Swanage and Worth Matravers offerharder grades on bolted and traditional routes. Itis also recognised as one the UK's leading areasfor deep water soloing and Conner Cove is wellknown as a venue for climbing festivals.

The coastline, the Purbeck Hills and RempstoneForest are ideal for walking and mountain bikingexcursions of all distances, exercising navigationskills and making use of the popular Purbeckfootpaths and cycle routes. The area is alsofrequently used by groups participating in theDuke of Edinburgh Award scheme as anexpedition location. Throughout the area thelandscape views are spectacular.

There are many opportunities to take to thewater, either on the River Frome at Wareham,within the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour, oralong the coast. Local watersport providers offerthe full range of leisure sessions, approvedtraining and Jurassic Coast Tours. The RiverFrome offers an opportunity to kayak or canoeon calm water between picturesque riverbanks,or as a starting point for longer trips out intoPoole Harbour and beyond. The coastline offersmore advanced waters with stunning cliffs andoverfalls for advanced paddlers and sailors. TheHarbour and Studland Bay provide excellentwater for sailing, wind and kitesurfing,waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Surf can be found on occasion in Swanage andDurlston Bays. Kimmeridge also offers anexcellent reef break, particularly during thewinter months.

Paragliders can take advantage of the southeasterly winds at Ballard Down near Swanageand have the option of landing either back onthe cliff or on the beaches in Swanage Bay.

Please contact the Purbeck education centres tofind out the full range of suitable activities onoffer for your students.


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Challenge

Achieve

AdventureActivitiesThe Isle of Purbeck enjoys fantasticfacilities and sites for adventureactivities on land, water and in theair and is a leading destination forall who enjoy 'the great outdoors.'120,000 students visit Purbeck eachyear and many of those come to trynew, challenging and excitingactivities alongside their more usualcurriculum studies.

Team work


P U R B E C K


Examples of Adventure Activities in Purbeck

ADVENTUREACTIVITIES

Individual

P.S.H.E.Co-operation

Independence

Confidence

Challenge

Climbing

Kayaking

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Bush craft

Raft building

Canoeing

Orienteering

Pioneering

Camping

Trampolining

Initiativeexercises

DragonboatracingHigh and low

ropes course

Healthylifestyle

Team

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Allnatt Centres35 Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1LG.Tel/Fax: 01929 421075. Email: [email protected]: www.allnatt.co.uk

A centre of excellence, leading the way in the provision ofinnovative and inspiring programmes of outdoor learningaccessible to all people. Genuine customer service from peoplewho aim to exceed your expectations and make your visit special.

Programmes:Coastal discovery andadventure; outdooradventure; teamchallenge; fieldstudies; environmentalcreativity.

Benefits: own selfcontained buildings;a warm welcome withfriendly, courteousservice; situated 5minutes from thebeach & open

countryside; 10 minutes from the town centre; a wide range of outdooractivities led by qualified, enthusiastic and friendly staff; Internet accessand private lounges for adults; qualified, friendly tutors with localknowledge; fully risk assessed courses; all inclusive pricing means thereare no hidden extras.

As members of the Institute for Outdoor Learning, we aspire to thehighest standards of professionalism • Competitive prices representingexcellent value for money • Every child & adult really matters and isincluded.

Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd. Directors: Denea Wright, Matt Piper, HeatherTainsh. Reg: 309970 London.

Arne Nature ReserveArne, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5BJ.Contact: The Information Officer, Tel: 01929 553360.or write to the RSPB nature reserve.

Arne nature reserve is the RSPB's flagship heathland reserveon the edge of Poole Harbour. It has stunning wildlife includingheathland birds such as nightjars and Dartford warblers,coastal birds like little egrets and avocets, as well as thechance of seeing rarer creatures like seals and sand lizards.

The reserve is also known for its fantastic variety of dragonflies. Accessaround the reserve is easy along the way-marked trails and there is a lot

to see at any time ofyear with beautiful viewsacross Poole Harbourand the Purbeck hills.Watch the wildlife atclose quarters from oneof our two hides. Ourannual programme ofevents includessomething for everyonefrom guided walks tofamily fun days.

The reserve is open all year round with the Shipstal point and Coombebirdwatcher's trails open daily, starting from the reserve car park. The carpark is locked at dusk. A car park charge is made for non-members.RSPB members are free at all times - please display a membership cardin the car window. We have a small information hut in the reserve carpark that is staffed from 1 April to 30 September with a whole host ofinformation on birds and wildlife, events, volunteering and joining theRSPB. There are public toilets by the car park. Coaches, groups andeducational centres by prior arrangement. We have a small resource forrunning educational trips including helping with habitat management,data collection and guided tours around the reserve.

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Brenscombe Outdoor CentreStudland Road, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5JG.Tel: 01929 481222.Email: [email protected]: www.brenscombeoutdoor.co.uk

Brenscombe is in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, on the southside of Poole Harbour. The Centre is 1.5 miles from CorfeCastle and 5 miles from Wareham.

The Centre is situated in an attractive group of converted farm buildingson the slope of a spectacular chalk ridge overlooking Poole Harbour. Wecan accommodate up to 80 people in attractive, warm and comfortablerooms. A separate staff area with bedrooms, bathroom and TV lounge isalso available. We have three well-equipped lecture/study rooms. Thelargest study room can seat 50 people within a spacious andatmospheric environment.

As well as the 30 different outdoor adventure activity sessions we canprovide, we also run Britain's most popular ropes course, situated withinRempstone forest. This has over 55 different low and high ropes activitiesas well an amazing cows tail course and a 300ft zip wire. Opposite theropes course, we also have a huge meadow in the forest that can beused for activities as well as group camping.

Carey Outdoor Education CentreCarey Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PB.Tel: 01929 552265.Email: [email protected]: www.dorsetforyou.com/outdoored

Carey Outdoor Education Centre is open all year round toschool and youth groups of all ages. The centre offers day andresidential courses individually planned to support the needs ofteachers and pupils working to meet the requirements of theNational Curriculum.

The site is situated on the edge of Wareham Forest in shelteredwoodland and is ideal for camping. The extensive grounds provide anattractive setting suitable for a range of environmental studies andoutdoor activities. The River Piddle, Wareham town and the Purbeck areaalso provide a range of excellent study sites.

Residential accommodation is provided in standing patrol tents forgroups of up to 120 between Easter and October. Groups are fullycatered for by the Centre.

22

Castle View Study RoomCastle View, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5DR.Tel: 01929 480609. Email: [email protected]: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Castle View Visitor Centre houses the award-winning StudyRoom packed with activities to bring Corfe Castle's turbulentpast to life. The activities are ideally suited to Key Stage 1, 2and early KS3, led by National Trust staff and volunteers.

Children can try medieval building technology, sort archaeological finds,and complete jigsaw puzzles of medieval scenes. They can wear royalapparel, peasant garb or the arms and armour of a medieval or Civil Warsoldier. Replica pitch-lined leather buckets, medieval pattens (shoes) andauthentic aromatic herbs complete this unforgettable experience ofcastle life. National Trust staff and volunteers can lead guided tours ofthe castle to complement the study room experience.

The public Visitor Centre adjacent to the Study Room has interactivedisplays illustrating the story of the Castle within the Isle of Purbeck.

The Study Room is also a good base for studies of Corfe Castle villagefor any age.

Durlston Country ParkLighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL.Contact: Countryside Rangers, tel/fax: 01929 424443.Email: [email protected]: www.durlston.co.uk

Whether bringingstudents face to facewith Britain’s biggestinsect on a mini-beastsafari, leading adiscussion onbalancing the needsof visitors and wildlife,or exploring “life onthe edge” in one ofthe largest guillemotcolonies in the southof England, therangers can offerstudents anunforgettable day.

The spectacularcoastal sceneryincludes headlands,

bays, coastal erosion and sea defence and as a key gateway to the WorldHeritage Site, a rich geological record and unique Victorian legacy.

The Visitor Centre features interactive displays, including live images ofbreeding seabirds, sound from the seabed, a hide and a daily wildlifediary. A shop provides souvenirs, snacks and educational material.

The rangers work with teachers to tailor sessions to your learning needs.For details visit www.durlston.co.uk

Durlston Country Park is a superb outdoor classroom, with awealth of opportunities to enhance the study of geography,science, history, art and much more.

Lulworth Heritage CentreMain Road, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5RQ.Tel/fax: 01929 400155Email: [email protected]: www.lulworth.com

The beautiful and dramatic coastline of Lulworth creates atremendous outdoor learning environment. Our experiencedrangers, with the benefit of local knowledge, teach curriculumorientated topics from KS1 to A2 level and beyond!

We specialise in: • Coasts - Erosional processes and landforms• Tourism - Management and solutions • Ecology - Habitats and adaptation• Keystage 1 and 2 - Cross curricular studiesand can create tailormade sessions for all age groups on a range ofsubjects.

Flexible sessions using audio visual and field teaching are complementedby practical and written activities. These are based at our HeritageCentre which contains superb illustrative displays of the coast.

Leeson House Field Studies CentreLangton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3EU.Tel: 01929 422126.Email: [email protected]: www.dorsetforyou.com/outdoored

Leeson House has been providing field studies courses inPurbeck for nearly forty years. The accommodation anddomestic provision are of a high standard and can house sixtystudents plus staff.

The extensive grounds contain a wide variety of habitats including ponds,meadows, woodlands, a bird hide and games field. The biodiversity ofthe grounds is very healthy with all three species of newt present in theponds. There are 3 classrooms, a library and IT room and the centre isstocked with a very wide range of high quality field equipment.

All courses at Leeson House are planned individually by one of theteaching staff following almost any topic or theme. We provide coursesfor primary schools through to GCSE and A Level fieldwork in biology,geography and geology. We can also accommodate colleges, universitiesand many other special interest groups. 23

Studland Study Centre, Beach & Nature ReserveCastle View, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5DR.Tel: 01929 480609.Email: [email protected]: nationaltrust.org.uk

The inspiring and stunning surroundings of Studland Bay makethe Studland Study Centre an ideal location for an educationalvisit.

The innovativeCentre, aneducationalresource in itself, isan excellentexample of asustainablebuilding. It hasbeen positionedand constructed tohave minimumimpact on theenvironment andwas the firstNational Trustbuilding to beawarded an Eco-

Centre Award by the Tidy Britain Group. It provides the opportunity tosee environmentally friendly technology in practice including a windturbine, photovoltaic cells and self composting toilets!

Studland is famous for its long sandy beaches and dunes. It is an area ofhigh biodiversity, home to many nationally rare and scarce species, andhas a range of national and international conservation and heritagedesignations. The area provides an excellent study for a host of NationalCurriculum subjects and topics for all ages. These include; habitatcomparison, sand dune profile and succession, tourism management,environmental management, coastal processes, features and erosion.

Purbeck Marine Wildlife ReserveThe Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay,Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5PF. Tel: 01929 481044.Email: [email protected]: www.coastlink.org/kimmeridge

The rocky shore is the ideal place to study the interactionbetween marine life and their environment. The ledges ofKimmeridge, in Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, provide theopportunity for a memorable face-to-face encounter with localmarine life.

The Fine Foundation MarineCentre houses an array ofeducational interpretation andnative aquaria enhanced with alive underwater camera (weatherpermitting). A dedicated schoolroom is available for bookingcurriculum based audio visualtalks and there are opportunitiesfor a variety of warden led shoreactivities enabling first handencounters.

Dorset Wildlife Trust wardenseducate visitors from a wide range

of ages and backgrounds in caring for the diverse marine environment,ensuring it remains as exquisite today as it will in years to come.

Topics covered; adaptations of marine life, species identification, foodchains/webs, marine conservation, rocky shore zonation.

"I learnt about lots of different creatures and the seashore code. Myfavourite animal was the beadlet anemone and it's sticky tentacles",Bethony Clasby

"I loved the blennies watching us through the water when we werelooking for the magic blue seaweed", Ayisha Newman24

Independent Group AccommodationDAVID DONALD FIELD STUDIES BASE,Worth Matravers, Swanage, Dorset. T: 01202 710701 (bookings).Self-catering. Dormitory accommodation (20 students + 4 staff). Camping site (24 tents).

LULWORTH YHA,School Lane, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5SA. T: 0870 770 5940 W: www.yha.org.uk 34 beds.

SWANAGE YHA,Cluny Crescent, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2BS. T: 0870 7700 6058.E: [email protected] W: www.yha.org.uk 100 beds.

Purbeck Transport CompaniesBLUEWAYS COACHES DORSET LTD.,Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate, Swanage, BH19 1AU. T: 01929 423622.

LINK RIDER COACHES,7, Steer Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2RU. T: 01929 423388.

SOUTH DORSET COACHES LTD.,Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1AU. T: 01929 423622.

SWANAGE RAILWAY,Station House, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB. T: 01929 425800 E: [email protected] W: www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Other Attractions for SchoolsBOVINGTON TANK MUSEUMBovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG. T: 01929 405096 W: www.tankmuseum.co.uk

LANGTON MATRAVERS MUSEUMSt George's Close, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3HE.T: 01929 423168 W: www.langtonia.org.uk

SWANAGE MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTREThe Square, Swanage,Dorset, BH19 2LJ. T: 01929 421427. F: 01929 557348 E: [email protected]

BROWNSEA ISLANDPoole, Dorset, BH13 7EE. T: 01202 707744.E: [email protected] W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Townsend Environmental Study CentreCobblers Lane, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2PX.Tel: 01929 422448. Fax: 01929 427739.Email: [email protected]: http://townsend.widehorizons.lgfl.net

The centre is located in an idyllic setting overlooking Swanage Bay. Weare one of five centres that form the Widehorizons Outdoor EducationTrust and our aim is to improve the lives of all who learn, work and livein our community, through inspiring outdoor experiences. We're open allyear round, with residential visits generally running from Monday toFriday and Friday to Sunday. Sessional and day visits can also beaccommodated. All our centre led programmes are tailored to meetindividual group requirements, and are delivered by our dedicated andexperienced teaching team. Weekend programmes can either be centreor group led.

The centre can accommodate 76 young people and 11 staff in 3dormitories. We normally accommodate two groups at one time, andeach group has their own classroom, drying room, waterproofequipment and ICT facilities. The centre has bathroom facilities andspacious sleeping quarters for those with disabilities, and wheel chairscan access all essential areas of the site. Our recreational facilitiesinclude football, volleyball, table tennis, snooker, tuck shop, BBQ anddisco. Our catering team produce fresh and delicious home cookingincluding cooked breakfasts, picnic lunches, evening meals and supper,and happily accommodate all dietary requirements.

What the teachers say about us:

"All activities were stimulatingand engaging. A wonderfulprogramme."

"We were looked after in everyway. Excellent accommodationand the food was wonderful."

What the children say about us…"Thanks for a spectacular time ina wonderful place."

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Map of Purbeck Showing Centre Locations1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

11

5

13

14

15

16

17

Arne NatureReserve

BovingtonTank Museum

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve

Castle View

Durlston CountryPark

LangtonMatraversMuseum

LulworthHeritage Centre

Purbeck HeritageCentre

Purbeck MarineReserve

Studland StudyCentre

SwanageMuseum andHeritage Centre

Swanage Railway

Allnatt Centre

BrenscombeOutdoor Centre

Carey EducationCentre

David DonaldField StudiesBase(Accommodationonly)

Leeson HouseField StudiesCentre

TownsendEnvironmentalStudy Centre

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12

18

Arne Nature Reserve

Bovington Tank Museum

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve

Castle View

Durlston Country Park

Langton Matravers Museum

Lulworth Heritage Centre

Purbeck Heritage Centre

Purbeck Marine Reserve

Studland Study Centre

Swanage Museum andHeritage Centre

Swanage Railway

Allnatt Centre

Brenscombe Outdoor Centre

Carey Education Centre

David Donald Field Studies(Base Accommodation only)

Leeson House Field Studies Centre

Townsend EnvironmentalStudy Centre

Residential Educational Centres

Non-residential Educational Centres1

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5

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9

10

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Matrix of Activities

Map

Loc

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Keystages

2 3 4 5+ Geo

logy

His

tory

Engl

ish

Art

Adv

entu

rous

Act

iviti

es

Teac

hing

Res

ourc

es

Life

Sci

ence

Geo

grap

hy

Expe

rt T

each

ers

and

Inst

ruct

ors

Stud

ent

Res

ourc

es

Info

rmat

ion

Pack

Cla

ssro

om

Indo

or lu

nch

area

Cat

erin

g

Toile

ts

Dis

able

d Fa

cilit

ies

Shop

Coa

ch P

arki

ng

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Steam railway offering trips for school groups

A source of useful information on Purbeck attractions and facilities

PURBECKDISTRICT COUNCIL

© 2006. Designed, compiled and published by Purbeck District Council, Graphic Design Section, Communication Unit. Printed by Lookers Print on environmentally friendlypaper. Photography copyright: Allnatt Centres, Brenscombe Outdoor Centre, Carey Outdoor Education Centre, Durlston Country Park, Leeson House Field Studies Centre,Lulworth Estate, National Trust, Purbeck District Council, Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, Townsend Residential Centre.

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P U R B E C K

Brenscombe OutdoorCentre

Dorset Wildlife Trust

ALLNATTCENTRESOn the South Coast

Documents

The Teachers’ Guide to PURBECK - University College Dublin · 2008-11-05 · The Teachers’ Guide to PURBECK 2 Purbeck Here is a place where sand lizards shuffle in spring sunshine,