Explorers of the South Downs

Schools across Hampshire are being invited to take part in Explorers of the South Downs.

Young people will take part in a range of fun activities, connecting the students with the South Downs National Park and the wider natural world

Hosted by leading learning providers, one group from each school can choose from one of the following options and participate in a fully funded* school trip.

Eligiblity

Participating schools will:

be either primary or secondary schools
be based in Hampshire
have 25% of pupils eligible for FSM or be a specialist SEND school
be first time visitors to the learning provider

Funding details*

All learning costs for the project will be covered for free and schools are eligible to claim up to £300 for transport costs.

Through the use of the South Downs National Park’s partnership with National Express, it is possible to book affordable, comfortable and reliable transport for under £300.

Please note coach travel will be booked by the school and reimbursed based on the completion of the project evaluation form.

Learning providers

Butser Ancient Farm

Butser Ancient Farm is a world leading destination for experimental archaeology and education, bringing the past to life through hands on, immersive, practical activities that are accessible for all. Choose from Natural printing, rubbings, chalk carving, poetry and musical clay as well as many others and learn more about this unique site in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Contact them directly here.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Queen Elizabeth Country Park sits within the South Downs National Park and provides an environment for children to explore, learn and play. Our sessions offer a range of activities where children can discover more about the South Downs from its history and stories, the landscape and the creatures that live there, and the sounds and imagery that make up our national park. Choose from Bushcraft activities, woodland wanders, Den building, minibeasts and map reading to build a day your students will never forget. Contact them directly here.
SoSussex

Based across sites in the Hampshire area of the South Downs National Park. With SoSussex, you can choose from guided walks, bushcraft activities, shelter building tree identification, minibeast hunting and habitat creation, mindfulness activities, team building challenges, environmental art and photography – all focused on the landscape, culture and history of the South Downs. Contact them directly here.
Sustainability Centre

The Sustainability Centre is a hub for Outdoor Education and are delighted to offer your children the opportunity to explore nature in their beautiful 55-acre woodland setting, nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Creating bespoke itineraries with a range of engaging and immersive activities, accessible to all, focusing on the landscape, history, literature, culture and art of the Downs including storytelling, guided walks on the Downs, willow weaving, hapa zome (leaf printing), orienteering, chalk carving and cooking over a fire – there’s something for everyone and sure to make an unforgettable day! Contact them directly here.

Next steps

Please contact these learning providers directly, quoting ‘Explorers of the South Downs’ in your email subject line.

A special thanks to Friends of the South Downs who have made this project possible through their generous funding.