Free school visits to the Hurst

Welcome to the Hurst Water Meadow a classroom roofed only by the sky!
Bring your school on a visit and discover that learning outside can be the best and most memorable learning experience.

An island with abundant habitats

The meadow is bordered by the River Thame and the Overy mill-stream.  Because it floods once or twice a year, the meadow supports numerous plants and animals.  It is a picturesque site with a backdrop of Dorchester Abbey and the Wittenham Clumps making it an ideal place for groups to visit as part of a whole day of exploration in the local area.

A great place to get out and about 

At any time of the year discover the wonderful local wildlife.  Children will enjoy exploring the meadow, stream, hedgerows and trees as well as the freedom that a large open space can offer.

Supporting your visit

Not only is the visit free, but we can also provide an experienced environmental teacher or volunteer to act as your guide.  We can tailor the visit to suit your requirements and curriculum needs and will be happy to help plan the day with the class teacher prior to the visit.

Benefitting the children

• Learning opportunities to develop understanding of the natural world.
• Supporting and enhancing work already done in the classroom.
• Developing literacy and numeracy skills.
• Delivering aspects of the Science and Geography curriculum.

Combined visits

It may be possible to combine a visit with Dorchester Abbey where you can have a planned programme with the Abbey Education officer - or just visit on your own.

The Abbey Museum is next to the Abbey and a great place to study the history of Dorchester and the surrounding area.  You may even be lucky to visit a live archaelogical dig.