RSPB Fairhaven Lake Lancashire

What makes us a great choice for education

Being on the Ribble Estuary makes a great unique experience.  Our coastal setting provides opportunities to discover different ecosystems, adaptations and food chains in new and exciting habitats such as mudflats and sand dunes.

Our mudflat, sand dune and beach based sessions are hands on and investigative. Comparing and contrasting these habitats with a more familiar habitats allows children to discover new habitats.  All of our sessions, coastal or garden based, provide opportunities to use equipment, explore and identify creatures which support curriculum requirements in EYFS to GCSE

Accreditation and Awards

• LOtC Quality Badge

What is typically included on our school trips

Our coastal sessions not only discuss the natural history of the area and the importance of the coast, but also introduce the historical heritage of the locality.  Fairhaven Lake is the UK’s third largest marine lake and was built as a leisure and activity site during the Edwardian era. The recent Heritage Lottery funded (HLF) development in conjunction with Fylde Borough Council has allowed for the regeneration of the lakeside buildings including both the RSPB Visitor Centre and the education building (also known as the Watersport’s Centre) and the uncovering of Thomas Mawson’s Japanese Garden.

Group Sizes Catered For

Group Sizes up to 60.

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

We use our RSPB age appropriate resources and equipment to support our curriculum linked sessions. See the session outlines on our website. 

We also have a wealth of teacher resources and ideas to continue your learning journey with us. You will find more information on our website.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Schools are welcome to take photographs of their own children.

Risk Assessment Details

A generic risk assessment is available on the website.

Education Officer Information

Please contact our Learning Officer using the email above.

Pricing Information

Full details of pricing can be found on our website.

Clothing Requirements

Although we have a classroom, our sessions are held outdoors so we recommend students are dressed appropriately for the weather. This may be waterproof boots and raincoats, or it may be sunhats and sunblock cream.

First Aid Information

RSPB Learning staff are first aid trained to Appointed Persons status and will carry a basic first aid kit.    

Available Facilities

A visit includes the use of a large purpose-built classroom with toilet and handwashing facilities. 

There are also wetrooms, changing areas with accessible toileting and showering facilities.  

A sheltered outdoor space is reserved for visiting schools at lunchtime, the large indoor space can be used in times of inclement weather.

All facilities are on one level and fully accessible to all.

Free all day parking for cars and buses along the front on Inner Promenade.

The Visitor Centre is available for the of purchase hot drinks and snacks.

Visitors are welcome to look around the shop in small groups.

Pin badges are available to purchase for school groups via pre-visit arrangement.

Fully accessible path all the way around the lake. (Provided by Heritage Lottery Fund)

There is also an Adventure play area on site.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

Accessible toilets are available. 

All the buildings are fully accessible to all as is the flat path all around the lake.

Opening Hours & Information

10:00am-4:00pm Oct to March

10:00am-5:00pm  March-Oct

Testimonials

“Outstanding introduction to my new topic - the children were immersed in their learning and I will be able to draw on their experiences for a series of lessons.”

“Amazing as always, well trained staff, excellent facilities and fabulous setting with educational activities.”