What is the Education Programme?
Bury Metro Parks and Countryside Service work to conserve, improve and promote the parks and countryside areas of Bury. As part of this work we have developed an education programme for primary school aged children. The activities offered through the programme are linked to the National Curriculum Key Stages and are delivered by the Ranger Service, either within school grounds or in a local park or countryside area.
By engaging children with their environment at an early age we believe that they learn to treat it with respect and become advocates for sustaining local green spaces and biodiversity in the future.
We hope that our education programme will help schools to promote the benefits of protecting the environment through pupil participation and engagement.
Taster sessions
Schools wishing to sample the education service can book a taster session which will take place at school within a classroom setting. The taster sessions last 1½ hours and cover craft activities, animal quizzes and a science section about 'does it float?' The sessions are led by our Rangers and can be tailored to suit years 1 to 6. They provide an opportunity to try out the education programme and ask the Rangers first hand about the variety of sessions available.
There is no charge for this service but advanced booking is essential.
Examples of activities in parks
Mini Beasties
Search, find and identify our local mini beasts. Discover the habitats they live in, where you can find them and why.
Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour
Season: Spring/Summer
Age: All
Subject: Science
Bird and Bat Boxes
Build a house for birds and bats to nest and shelter in. These can be put up around your school or can be taken home by the children.
Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour
Season: Autumn/Winter
Age: 8+
Subject: Technology, D & T
Examples of activites in the countryside
Pond Dipping
This activity is only available at certain sites and provides a general introduction to pond creatures, water habitats, adaptation and investigation skills. The programme includes pond dipping and can be followed by a 'design your own creature' session. Identification keys can also be introduced for older groups.
Duration: 2 hours
Season: Spring/Summer
Age: All
Subject: Science, D & T
The Suncatchers
This explores the lifecycle of plants including germination, growth, photosynthesis, flowering, pollination and seed dispersal through games and activities.
Duration: 2 hours
Season: All year
Age: 8+
Subject: Science
How to contact us
To request an education pack or to book a taster session or visit, contact us as follows.
Customer Contact Team
Town Hall reception, Knowsley Street, Bury, BL9 0SW
Phone: 0161 253 5353
On-line: report a problem with the park
E-mail: customercontactteam@bury.gov.uk
