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Fairburn Ings

A wildlife oasis providing a fantastic learning resource in the heart of West Yorkshire

Fairburn Ings is an oasis for wildlife in the Aire valley - there is something exciting to see every day of the year.

We've got two large visitor centre rooms available for classes, a boardwalk, and large bird viewing area and pond-dipping platforms.

We are visited by thousands of ducks and geese in the winter, while summer brings dragonflies, terns and swallows. All this wildlife gives your class the chance to understand the value of wildlife and natural places.

All our programmes focus on science and geography. However, they are also a fabulous resource for teaching essential skills, citizenship and art, design and media work.

Visits are limited to a maximum of two classes (or 60 students), working in four class groups of around 15 students, each led by a field teacher.

We may need to charge for materials for certain workshops, eg nestbox making. 

Our field teachers can also visit your school. Sessions are very flexible, and we'll work with you to create one to suit your particular needs.

Students and teacher looking at pond life at Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve

A fantastic day. The staff were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and the activities fully supported our environment work in school. One of the best trips I have done in 15 years of teaching. Awe and wonder in abundance - what childhood should be all about.

Hambleton C of E Primary School

Contact us

We'd be happy to help you plan your visit

Essential info

Pre-visit Downloads

Costs

Durationper childminimum costs
Half dayPrimary £4.25; Secondary £5.50Primary £75; Secondary £90
Full dayPrimary £5.75; Secondary £6.50Primary £90; Secondary £100; Outreach visits £70 for the first hour, £15 for any subsequent hour

Fact file

How to find us:

For directions to Fairburn Ings visit the reserve page

When to visit:

Schools can visit any weekday during term time, although it may also be possible for school groups and clubs to visit in the summer holiday. From May to mid-July is our busy period, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Day visits normally consist of a two-hour morning session (10am – 12noon) and a two-hour afternoon session (12.30pm – 2.30pm).

You are welcome to visit at any time to see where your group will be working, to finalise programmes or to carry out your own risk assessment. If you would like to discuss aspects of the visit, this needs to be by appointment. And if you need to refine programmes to meet the needs of various exam board curricula, there will be a consultation charge of £20 per hour.

Suitable for

Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3.

This site has been externally verified to ensure that we are providing high quality learning experiences and managing safety effectively via the LOtC Quality Badge scheme. Read the report.