Education

Learning is fun and one of the best places to do that is here on the Sefton Coast, whether it's a trip out with your school or college or joining us as individuals or families on one of the many events that take place here throughout the year.

The variety of habitats lend themselves to different activities from investigating habitats at primary school to doing transects at secondary school, college and university.Activities available are not just limited to office hours, but also evenings and weekends. Community groups such as 'local church groups' or 'botanical societies' as well as 'brownies & cubs' also take advantage of the area, with more informal walks and activities.Each of the partners at the Gateway sites, offer a variety of formal and informal learning opportunities:Coastwatch -  This Education Resource Pack helps to inspire, motivate and enthuse students to learn about Seftons Natural Coast and equips them with the knowledge and understanding of coastal issues faced.Organised by The Coastal Defence Team the main aim of this project is to investigate how coastal management in North West Europe can adapt to coastal change and climate change. By working in partnership the project is looking at ways to develop our understanding, knowledge and response to coastal change including climate change throughout North West Europe for which Sefton is one of 9 key research areas.Eco Visitor Centre - Local and regional schools can pre-book an exciting educational visit using the extremely modern classroom and children can learn, with the on-site teacher, about all aspects of the environment with curricula based activity plans.Sefton Coast Partnership - provide both students and teachers with information on planning and visiting sites on the Sefton Coast, including details of contacts, what pre-requesitions are useful and what information is available..Formy National Trust - All schools, colleges and group visits by coach or minibus - BOOKING ESSENTIAL. The National Trust property at Formby provides excellent opportunities for environmental education and learning about the coastal environment. It is also a first class destination for informal recreation and enjoyment by a wide range of interest groups. At peak times, particularly in the summer months, high level of demand and arrivals of coaches places considerable pressure on facilities and the natural landscape. In order to maintain quality of the visitor experience, all group visitors must book with Learning Officer a minimum of two weeks before their planned visit. The National Trust reserves the right to refuse admission to groups who arrive without a booking confirmation.

Ainsdale National Nature Reserve - can offer guided, self-guided or unguided education walks and activities. For further details please contact:

Eva Tregidgo

Community Outreach Adviser, Wirral to Wyre Area Team

Natural England

Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

2 West End Lodge, Pinfold Lane

Ainsdale, Merseyside, PR8 3QW

Mob. 07825246434

Email: Eva.Tregidgo@naturalengland.org.uk