RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve

What makes us a great choice for education

Our sessions are linked to the curriculum and take place in our wonderful haven for nature.  

Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve is a peaceful haven for nature situated less than five miles from the centre of Birmingham. With teaching ponds, minibeast meadows and hide on stilts, it is a wonderful setting for a memorable learning experience. The range of habitats within easy reach means that we can provide investigative fieldwork and experience led programmes to suit your group’s needs.

Visiting teachers are invited to subscribe to our e-newsletter which contains useful projects and teacher blogs to support continued work outside the classroom.

Accreditation and Awards

We have the LOtC Quality Badge.

What is typically included on our school trips

We offer a range of exciting, hands-on nature-based learning experiences for EYFS, KS1 and KS2.  Investigate our minibeast meadow or explore our pond habitats.  Perhaps you’d like to visit our lakeside hide and learn all about the brilliant birds that make Sandwell Valley their home?  Children can use their senses to discover the sights, sounds and smells of our beautiful Wildlife Garden or navigate around the reserve to find the River Tame and learn all about its features and history.  Please visit our website for more information on the sessions available.  If you have any specific requirements, please contact our learning officer to discuss, we’ll always try to adapt our sessions to best meet the needs of your learners.

Group Sizes Catered For

We’re able to work with groups of up to sixty children.

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

Modern visitor centre featuring an education space with its own handwashing facilities, accessible toilets and baby changing unit available. Light refreshments are available to purchase.  Groups can eat their lunch in the centre or on picnic tables in the Wildlife Garden.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

Accessible building with disabled toilet facilities

Opening Hours & Information

We’re open Tuesday-Sunday and on bank holiday Mondays. Opening hours are 10am – 4pm from October to March and 10am-4:30pm April to September.

Testimonials

Really informative and well run. Very knowledgeable staff. Really enjoyed by all - thank you! - The Blue Coat School

The visit was really beneficial, thank you for being so accommodating and flexible to meet the children's needs. - Yew Tree Community School

All the children really enjoyed themselves. It was a great way to bring the topic to life. - St James CE Primary School