Wilder Learning
We want more young people to connect to nature
It’s why we work with schools and groups across the county teaching children and young people about the beauty, fun and importance of wildlife and how we can help protect it.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Wilder Learning team have an expanse of experience delivering sessions to enthuse and engage those of all ages and backgrounds. From tots to teens we offer a range of options to help young people connect to the natural world.
No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced
What do we offer?
Learning about Nature
Wellbeing in Nature
FAQ's
Do you offer educational visits to your nature reserves?
Dependent on capacity at the time of the request we can sometimes offer one-off visits to our Nature Reserve at Meeth Quarry. Meeth has toilet facilities and an outdoor shelter. We do not offer a specific learning programme here, but could offer bespoke sessions on exploring the site.
If you are a school in Exeter we may be able to offer bespoke sessions in one of the Valley Parks managed by DWT.
Do you help with school grounds improvements?
Depending on where you are based we may be able to come and visit you to advise you on your grounds, such as making improvements for school ponds, how to make a wildflower meadow and other ideas. If you sign up to the Wildlife Champion Programme we may be able to develop grounds improvement ideas into the students project for the year. We may also be able to advise over the phone or email with photographs. Contact us to see if we can help!
Do you only work with schools or can youth community groups get involved?
Much of our work programmes are aimed at schools however we do have some things we can offer to groups like uniform groups and family community groups, dependent on where you are based. We are more likely to be able to work with these groups if you are based in Exeter or Plymouth where we have staff based. Look at what sessions we offer above and note which opportunities are for everyone. Please get in touch to enquire about these opportunities and any costs.
Are there any opportunities to volunteer with any of your Wilder Learning work?
Yes, we sometimes have opportunities for volunteers to help us with our engagement work. However working with children requires us to do certain checks beforehand and you will never be alone with a child. It also depends on where you live, what skills you have and what aspect of our work you would like to get involved with. Keep an eye on our Volunteers page for any current opportunities.
I'm interested in a few of your school sessions, can my school(s) do a selection of them?
Yes! In fact we would encourage it. By buying into several of our schemes as a package it would work out more cost effective for you. If you are a part of a multi-academy trust we may be able to offer our programmes across each of your schools. Get in touch to see what we can do.
How much will your sessions cost?
This depends on the programme or sessions that you are after, Buying into a programme like Wildlife Champions is more cost effective than one-off sessions.
Taking the next step
For any enquiries contact us on 01392 279244 or email
Free Resources
See below for free educational resources to help children go wild
Photo: Paul Martin
Action For Insects
Photo credit, Jo Damsell
Wilder learning at home
We've shaped our curriculum around their expertise and involvement and since noticed changes in the children's attitutue, behaviour and learning.Stoke Hill Infant School
