As one of the best family attractions in Essex there’s so much to do here at Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay whatever the weather. We’ve farmyard friends with daily animal activities including lamb bottle feeding, a huge Reptile House and awesome birds of prey. Race around the indoor play, and go wild in the outdoor play areas bouncing on our vast jumping pillow… boiiing!
Sensory Trail
Sensory Trail
What is it?
A sensory trail is the activity of following a set path or group of tasks that will engage all of the senses. The specific content of a sensory trail will vary between providers, but the main aim is for each participant to use every single one of their senses to interact with their surroundings.
What does it involve?
Going on a trail can involve many different things - being blindfolded is a popular aspect of a sensory trail, as it takes away the heavy reliance on sight and forces people to use their other senses to navigate the environment and overcome obstacles. Identifying things by touch, smell, sound and taste are also likely to be included in a sensory trail, but there are no guarantees - a sensory trail should always be a surprise!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Participation in a sensory trail has many benefits! It can create a strong bond within the student group as they experience it together, and brings awareness to the huge variety of ways you can interact with the environment. Humans are very sight-reliant, and examining the other senses as tools can be excellent for helping students become more aware of their own bodies and what they could be capable of.
What equipment do we need?
A sensory trail should not need any equipment provided on your behalf, as it's almost certain you will be with an activity provider who should set everything up for you!
Who is it suitable for?
Should be suitable for all ages in general, but younger groups may benefit from the experience more! Older students may be more cynical of the idea and have less patience for it, but the novelty of a sensory trail will make it great fun for younger students.
Costs?
Will vary between providers depending on complexity of the activity. Some sensory experiences are reasonably small (a specially planted sensory garden, for example) while others can be elaborate trails through the forest with many activities available - prices will obviously be higher for the more intense experiences.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Younger students will need careful supervision during such an experience, as some may become unnerved by things such as a blindfold!
How do we include?
Sensory trails will be one of the best things out there to include everybody in. The majority of providers will be set up for involving those with disabilities, and for those with sight/hearing/speech/learning difficulties will have a great time on a sensory trail as they get to use the senses they have to their full ability instead of focusing upon the one they are disadvantaged in.
Doing it abroad?
It's likely you will find variants upon the sensory trail all over the world! They may be advertised slightly differently in foreign countries, so if you wish to incorporate one into your visit then make sure to research what's available before you go.
Main website:
Individual venue websites will have the best information about their specific activities.
Venues with this Activity
South Devon Coast
Start Bay Centre is located above Slapton with stunning views across the Start Bay Coast. Each group has exclusive use of the converted old school. The recently refurbished Centre provides comfortable facilities with a friendly atmosphere. An enclosed garden includes a low ropes course, BBQ area and campfire circle.
Snowdonia
FSC Rhyd-y-creuau provides high quality residential outdoor learning and fieldwork for primary schools, secondary schools and university groups. We also have a range of courses and holidays for adults and families.
In addition to our two residential centres in Cumbria, FSC has a dedicated team of teaching staff who deliver full or half day courses for schools using the stunning locations found within the Lake District. A typical day begins at 10.00am when one of our teaching staff will meet you at your chosen site.
Neath Port Talbot / Castell Nedd Port Talbot
Set in 850 acres of beautiful parkland where 600 deer roam freely, Margam Discovery Centre offers high quality environmental education to all age groups, both residentially and for day visits. The centre is a state of the art low carbon footprint building designed by The Welsh School of Architects.
FSC Malham Tarn is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Malham Tarn we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children.
Amersham Field Centre is located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The FSC manages the centre and nature reserve on behalf of National Grid Transco. The 30 hectare site provides a mosaic of woodland, grassland and pond habitats for all ages to study.
In the Heart of Ancient Woodland
Epping Forest Field Centre is a purpose-built non residential centre located in a terrific Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation that provides excellent learning opportunities. It has excellent transport links and is only a few kilometres from the M25 and M11 and from Loughton Station (Central Line for London Undergro
Lake District
Castle Head Field Centre lies in its own extensive grounds between the southern fells of the Lake District and the shores of Morecambe Bay. The Centre has 120 beds and a number of large indoor spaces including 6 workrooms, student common rooms, a separate staff lounge and a sports hall.
Nurture in Nature
FSC Bishops Wood is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Bishops Wood Field Centre we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children. From Literacy through landscape to wilderness bushcraft designed to encourage problem solving and teamwork.
We are specialists in providing outdoor activities for children on either school residential trips, youth group residentials, kids summer camps, junior and adult netball tournaments and family adventure holidays.
Eureka! is a unique place for families and groups to visit, where children aged 0 to 11 are inspired to learn all about themselves and the world around them by playing, imagining, experimenting and – above all – having fun, with the caring grown-ups in their lives.
An ancient story of vanished oceans and fossilised sea creatures is the reason why the Oswestry Hills are so rich in wild plants, including orchids.
Activity examples:
Butterfly surveys, tree investigations, bug hunting, pond dipping, habitat investigations, natural art, sensory explorers. John Muir Award (environmental award for KS2 upwards).
The main footpath along the Stiperstones ridge goes straight down the side of The Hollies nature reserve. Few people step off the track to explore this ancient, scattered grove of hollies, but those that do soon fall under its spell. The trees are extraordinary characters, some of them three or four centuries old.
Activity examples:
Steep wooded slopes rise from the banks of the River Teme, leading to open grassland with glorious views across Ludlow to the Clee Hills. Networked with footpaths and flights of stone steps, the Common is easy to explore, with numerous seats for walkers to rest and enjoy the views.
Activity examples:
Welcome to our beautiful 19-acre nature reserve. With woodland, meadow, ponds and a wildlife garden, Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre is a haven for wildlife and an exhilarating gren space for your pupils to explore. Our education programmes give children opportunities to experience nature for themselves through hands-on activities.
Unique adventure playground and assault course, plus a stunning indoor play facility, scenic active adventure trail, fishing, cycle hire, plus big sand and water play, with small stream and water wheels, plus a climbing tower and giant slide.
This park's vast open spaces are perfect for family fun, picnics and games as well as their regular events. Gorgeous sensory park nearby if you have younger children.
Near to the Riverside Park is Lockside Park Sensory Garden which overlooks Newark’s picturesque town lock.
An excellent adventure playground surrounded by sensory and rose gardens, an aviary and a pond, plus seasonal miniature railway and nearby soft play facility!
Brampton Park offers a fantastic adventure multi-activity adventure play area with loads of classic sturdy equipment for kids 2 to 12 to play on, plus a giant sandpit to get creative in and a water play area too!
A new concept in indoor sensory & soft play activities for children aged between 0-10 years (inclusive). Dedicated sensory area for babies. Soft play structure, trampolines, dressing up costumes, playhouse and various classes for the older children. Stylish and relaxing cafe for the grown ups.
Located at Carsington Water Visitor Centre, the Wildlife Discovery Room and Wildlife Explorer's Outdoor Classroom provide plenty of opportunities for learning.
Welcome to The Nature Discovery centre, a visitor centre with beautiful lakes that adjoins Thatcham Reedbeds SSSI nature reserve. Children can explore Cold Ash stream, follow a lakeside walk and enjoy close up experiences with many species of resident and migrating birds.
Dartmouth Park is located next to West Bromwich Town Centre and Sandwell Valley Country Park. It is currently undergoing a £6 million restoration project that is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and BIG Lottery.
You and your class can explore art and architecture both on-site and in the classroom
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly in London. It has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects; its purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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