Events in Essex – Categories
ALL EVENTS LISTED IN OUR APRIL AND MAY CALENDAR ARE NOW POSITIVE, ONLINE VIRTUAL EVENTS.
If you are holding date specific online events that can help individuals during these challenging times, you are welcome to add these events to the calendar (using the green button below) providing you are a charity or community group and/or the events are free to access.
Please note: The events in Essex featured are all third party events: Healthy Life Essex is not normally directly involved in organising or running any of these events. As events may be cancelled or details changed without us being informed, please always clarify details with the organiser/contact listed. Healthy Life Essex cannot accept responsibility for incorrect information shown on our events listings.
Directory advertisers can add their own ad hoc events free of charge as can most charities. Other events may incur a cost. The directors reserve the right not to accept entries or to make a small charge.
September 2017
Little Foxes Forest School Morning – Abbotts Hall Farm
£6
What is Forest School ? Let the children get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing , relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limitation is their imagination! Suitable for children of 0 to 4 years of age. Cost shown is recommended donation per child, there will be no cost for children under 18 months.
Find out more »Improve your Birdwatching – Waders and Optics – Abbots Hall Farm
£31.50
The day's events will be devided into three parts. Firstly, a classroom session looking at the often confusing world of optics (binoculars, telescopes etc) and a talk on key identification features of some of the UK'S Wader species. Secondly, we will take a short walk and put theory into practice. Finally after lunch there will be a longer guided walk around the reserve. Cost shown is a recommended donation per person and includes all fees. Advance booking essential
Find out more »FREE Forest School introduction Coffee morning – Abbotts Hall Farm
Free
Please come along and find out what Forest School is and how to get started. Course content: • What is Forest School, its ethos and many benefits • How to get started with Forest School • What is involved in Level 3 Forest school training • How and where to set up a Forest School • Ensuring Forest School becomes a long term beneficial project in your organization • Looking at Forest School including an activity Places are free and…
Find out more »Little Foxes Forest School Morning – Abbots Hall Farm
£6
What happens at Forest School? Let the children get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing, relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limitation is their imagination! Suitable for children 0 to 4 years of age. Cost shown is a recommended donation per child, no cost for children under 18 months. Please book in advance.
Find out more »Training for Adults Supporting Forest School Leaders – Abbots Hall Farm
£50
Understand the ethos of Forest School and learn new skills such as fire lighting, tying knots and tool usage. This course is designed to equip untrained helpers with knowledge and skills to enhance the Forest School and maximise their role as facilitator as well as supporting role for the Forest School leader. Course content: • The Forest School approach • Developing social skills in children • Independence, creativity and risk taking. • Fire lighting skills • Tool use and supporting…
Find out more »Woodland Games and Activities – Abbots Hall Farm
£50
Learn about the woodland through the seasons and how to teach children about this rich habitat with fun games and activities. • Develop an understanding of the woodland through the seasons life cycles within it. • Games and activities to develop children’s natural enthusiasm and deep seated learning about woodland ecosystem. • Developing identification of plant, trees and woodland invertebrates. • How to develop children’s ability to watch and listen and use all their senses • Find out how to…
Find out more »October 2017
Making Curriculum Links in Forest School – Abbotts Hall Farm
£50
This course will enable you to creatively link the curriculum to Forest School without compromising the Forest School ethos. We will cover the following topics: The Curriculum areas that can be covered by Forest School. Planning for Forest School sessions whilst still enabling flexibility for learners. Exploring the different methods of observing and evaluation. Practical activities with strong curriculum links across EYFS, Key Stage one and two. Cost shown is a recommended donation per person. Advance booking essential, limited places…
Find out more »Forest School Level 2 Training – Abbotts Hall Farm
£400
This four day course will develop the practical skills required to become a qualified Forest School Assistant. The course is aimed at people who wish to learn more about the Forest School approach to teaching and assisting with the planning and delivery of Forest School sessions. Led by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Practitioner, you will learn how to use the woodland as a sustainable resource and look at the theoretical side of learning and play at Forest School.…
Find out more »Forest School Level 3 Training – Abbotts Hall Farm
£850
This is a course designed for people who would like to set up and run their own Forest School. Course dates: Oct 11th, 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th. Tool skills days Nov 6th and 7th plus a portfolio support day. On this eight day course you will learn the skills required and with ongoing support, complete a portfolio and run a pilot Forest School. The skills that you acquire on the course are required for you to become a qualified…
Find out more »Tools Skills – Abbotts Hall Farm
£50
On this course you will learn how to use a range of hand tools effectively and safely. This course is designed to teach you how to safely use a range of hand tools and work alongside children teaching them how to use the tools effectively and safely. We will be looking at the following: Using the appropriate tool for the job. Learning how to use hand tools safely. Sharpening and maintenance of tools. Teaching children how to use tools safely.…
Find out more »Little Foxes Forest School Morning – Abbotts Hall Farm
£6
What happens at Forest School? Let the children get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing, relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limitation is their imagination! Suitable for children 0 to 4 years of age. Cost shown is a recommended donation per child, no cost for children under 18 months. Please book in advance.
Find out more »November 2017
Improve your Birdwatching- Ducks – Abbotts Hall Farm
This event will start with a classroom session, where we will be looking at some of the key features you need to know when identifying ducks. we will then take a short walk to put the theory into practice. After lunch we’ll take a drive to the causeways at Abberton Reservoir for further practice in duck identification and hopefully spot some different species. Tea, coffee & biscuits will be provided but please bring a packed lunch. You will need to…
Find out more »Forest School Level 3 Training MODULAR COURSE – Abbotts Hall Farm
This is a course designed for people who would like to set up and run their own Forest School. Course dates: Nov 21st, 22nd, 23rd, Jan 16th, 17th. Two tool skills days: Feb 27th, 28th plus a portfolio support day, March 28th. This is our first modular course designed to experience a Forest School site through the seasons and to complete the portfolio work in stages. On this eight day course you will learn the skills required and with ongoing…
Find out more »March 2018
Improve your Birdwatching- General – Abbotts Hall Farm
There will be a morning classroom session where we will be looking at various topics such as where and when to look for birds, bird identification, field craft skills and choosing binoculars and telescopes. We will then take a short walk to the Wetland Hide to put theory into practice. After a break for lunch we will take a walk around the farm to search for more birds. Don't forget your binoculars if you have them. Tea, Coffee and Biscuits…
Find out more »Introduction to Biological Recording – Abbotts Hall Farm
This course is designed to give an introduction to the importance of biological recording and the use of species records in conservation. It will cover information needed to record species, submitting records and how the records are used. If you are interested in recording a particular taxonomic group please feel free to bring in guidebooks, note books and equipment to record with, a USB stick may also be useful. Please bring outdoor clothing and footwear as there may be opportunities…
Find out more »Fires and Cooking – Abbotts Hall Farm
join our Essex Wildlife Trust Outdoor Learning team and discover the wealth of learning opportunities within fires and cooking. This one day course for adults working with children / young people is designed to expand your Forest School cookbook, discovering learning opportunities for children. This course will contain a mixture theory and learning, exploring the following: Varieties of tinder and kindling, Wood types and how they burn, Preparing wood for a fire, different cooking methods over the fire, learning how…
Find out more »Forest School Level 3 Training Spring 2018 – Abbotts Hall Farm
This is an eight-day course designed for people who would like to set up and run their own Forest School. Course dates: March 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th two Tool skills days April 23rd and 25th plus a portfolio support day. On this course, you will learn the skills required and with ongoing support, complete a portfolio and run a pilot Forest School. The skills that you acquire on the course are required for you to become a qualified Forest…
Find out more »Forest School Level 2 Training – Abbotts Hall Farm
The Level 2 award in Assisting in Forest School is aimed at people who would like to learn more about the Forest School approach to teaching and learning. Led by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Practitioner you will assist with the planning and delivery of three Forest School sessions. You will learn the skills required and with ongoing support, complete a workbook. This enables you to assist a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner, leading Forest School. Course dates: March…
Find out more »Coastal Warden Water Quality Training 2018 – Abbotts Hall Farm
We need your help! Our volunteer Coastal Wardens have been collecting water quality data for nearly a year now but are in need of help. We want to monitor as much of the Essex coastline as possible (approximately 350 miles), identifying potential leakages and excessive input of nutrients into our coastal habitats. We will provide you with training and practice with the equipment before you use it in the field. Please bring a note pad and pen. Tea, coffee and…
Find out more »April 2018
Nature Tots – Little Foxes Forest School – Abbotts Hall Farm
This is a fun Weekly preschool group for under 5's held on Monday's in term time and Wednesday's in the school holidays. At Forest School children can get outside and explore. They can look for creepy crawlies, play woodland games, fly through trees on our rope swing, build dens, relax in our hammock, get messy in our mud kitchen and watch the fire. We tend to cook something on the fire but not till the end of the session. Please…
Find out more »Mindfulness – Abbotts Hall Farm
This is a one day course for adults working with children and will be run by Forest, Coastal school and mindfulness pracititoner, Dawn Waterhouse. Dawn will introduce you to Mindfulness and explain how this can be used in your Forest School practice. On this course we will explore the following: What is mindfulness and how this helps us in daily living, How to help children develop mindfulness and Mindfulness activities that will help children find some calm in their hectic…
Find out more »Forest School Level 3 Modular course Spring 2018 – Abbotts Hall Farm
This is a course designed for people who would like to set up and run their own Forest School. Course dates: April 30th, May 1st, 2nd, 10th and 11th.Tool skills days June 26th, 27th and portfolio support days September 11th and 12th. On this nine day modular course you will learn the skills required and with ongoing support, complete a portfolio and run a pilot Forest School. The skills that you acquire on the course are required for you to…
Find out more »Forest School Level 3 course Summer term 2018 – Abbotts Hall Farm
This is a course designed for people who would like to set up and run their own Forest School. Course dates: April 30th, May 1st, 2nd, 10th and 11th.Tool skills days June 26th, 27th and portfolio support days September 11th and 12th. On this nine day modular course you will learn the skills required and with ongoing support, complete a portfolio and run a pilot Forest School. The skills that you acquire on the course are required for you to…
Find out more »May 2018
Early Years Foundation Stage Forest Skills – Abbotts Hall Farm
These one day courses for adults working with children are run by Essex Wildlife Trust Outdoor Learning team and are located at Abbotts Hall Farm with beautiful woodland, meadows, gardens and two Forest School sites. Young people will develop skills used in Forest School or Outdoor learning sessions. A mixture of theory and learning and will be based outside. The course will provide you with inspiration, practical activities and games to enhance your Forest School delivery with Early Years Foundation Stage. We will…
Find out more »June 2018
The Great Garden Cake Bake – Abbots Hall Farm
As part of Essex Wildlife Trust's fundraiser, the Great Garden Cake Bake which takes place throughout June, Abbots Hall Farm is opening it's beautiful gardens to the public and welcoming you to come along and enjoy a cream tea. There is also a cake decorating demonstration by Eloise Durrant from the Gourmet Cupcake Company between 12:30pm and 2pm. (Demonstartion last 45 minutes and pre-booking is recommended. Cost is £8 per ticket which includes the cream tea. Telephone 01621 862860 to…
Find out more »Nature Tots – Little Foxes Fores School, Colchester
A weekly group for the under 5s on mondays in term time and Wednesdays during the school holidays. Lots of fun and games, outside if weather permitting. Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in the mud kitchen, fly through trees on rope strings, relax in a hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. Bring clothes that you don't mind getting muddy and lots of layers if cold and waterproofs, plus a snack and a…
Find out more »Much Ado about Nothing – Outdoor theatre, with Heartbreak Productions
Heartbreak Productions return to Abbotts Hall Farm, this time with their playful interpretation of Shakespeare’s famous comedy. For Hero and Clausio it’s love at first sight, while Benedick and Beatrice carry on a charade of witty insults that hides their true feelings. Hearts will be won and lost, and won again, as war makes way for masked balls, gossip, deception and true love. Outdoor production in the gardens of Abbotts Hall Farm, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough, Colchester, CO5 7RZ Garden…
Find out more »Wildflower Identification
A training session learning how to identify wild flowers with the aid of books and keys. The day will include time for a field visit to look at varying habitats. The day is suitable for complete beginners who wish to know more about the wild flowers around them, and for those who want to improve their skills. What to bring: The Wild Flower Key by Francis Rose, updated by Clare O’Reilly (2006), Sturdy footwear, clothes suitable for the day’s weather…
Find out more »An Introduction To The Study Of Bumblebees
Bumblebees are an appealing, small group of insects that often attract those not otherwise drawn to the study of insects. Species diversity can be used as an indicator of habitat quality and several species are of conservation concern nationally. The course will discuss the range of bumblebees found in Essex and the UK, the books available to aid identification and other learning, methods of observation and preliminary skills in putting a name to specimens. The ecological requirements of the Essex…
Find out more »Butterfly ID & Recording
This course is aimed at people who are interested in volunteering to take part in butterfly monitoring in Essex as part of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. The course will cover butterfly ecology, identification of common Essex species and butterfly surveying using the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme methodology. The course will also include an opportunity to search for and identify butterflies around Abbotts Hall Farm, weather permitting. Download course details Register Here What to bring Clothing appropriate to the weather…
Find out more »July 2018
Ropes Knots and Tools Skills – Abbots Hall Farm
This one day course for adults working with children / young people will develop skills used in Forest School or Outdoor learning sessions.There is a mixture of theory and learning and will be based outside. They are run by Essex Wildlife Trust Outdoor Learning team and located in the beautiful Abbotts Hall Farm with woodland, meadows, gardens and two Forest School sites. This course will help you remember those pesky knots needed for rope walks, swings and ladders, plus how to…
Find out more »Nature tots – Little Foxes Forest School
Weekly preschool group for under 5's on Monday's in term time and Wednesday's in the school holidays What happens at Forest School? Let them get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through trees on our rope swing, relax in our hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! Meet at the picnic benches in front of the head quarters. Please bring…
Find out more »Introduction to Barn Owls
Wild Barn Owls in the UK are affectionately associated with open spaces of the rural environment, often glimpsed as majestic or ghostly figures swooping to pluck small mammals from amongst the tufts of grass below with their talons. This course is an opportunity to learn more about this iconic wild bird species, with no previous knowledge required. The course will focus on the ecology of Barn owls, as well as conservation initiatives and surveying techniques. Suitable for 16+ years What…
Find out more »Forest School Drop Off Day (Over 5’s) – Abbotts Hall Farm,
Abbotts Hall Farm Over 5's Forest School session will let them explore, have fun, make new friends, learn new skills and so much more. Let them get outside and explore, build dens, climb trees, use tools, make fires and cook on a fire. A lovely day outside making new friends and learning new skills. Please bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes, waterproofs, pack lunch and drink. Meet at the picnic benches in front of the head office, (please arrive early to…
Find out more »August 2018
Forest School Drop-Odd Day (Over 5s) – Abbotts Hall Farm, Colchester
Drop your children off at Abbots Hall Farm and let them get outside and explore, have fun, make new friends, build dens, climb trees, use tools, make fires and cook on a fire. Booking essential. Please provide a packed lunch, plenty of drinks, suitable clothing including waterproffs and sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Meet at the picnic benches in front of head office. Pleaser arrive in plenty of time to check in.
Find out more »Forest School Level 3 Training (QCF)
This is the first day of an eight-day course during the summer holidays, with camping option. The course is designed to equip you with skills and ongoing support which will enable you to complete a portfolio and run a pilot Forest School, part of the requirement to become a qualified Forest School practitioner. Course dates August 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and two tool skills days September 29th and 30th plus a portfolio support day. Course content: This course is…
Find out more »September 2018
Nature Tots – Abbotts Hall Farm
A weekly preschool group for under 5's on Monday's in term time and Wednesday's in the school holidays Let your little ones get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through trees on our rope swing, relax in our hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting muddy, lots of layers if cold, waterproofs…
Find out more »Mindfulness in Nature – Abbotts Hall Farm
An introduction to mindfulness in the great outdoors at Abbotts Hall Farm We will be looking at: • What is mindfulness? • The benefits of mindfulness • Benefits of being in nature • Breathing • Mindful eating • Different types of mindful meditation This is an adults only event. Booking is essential.
Find out more »October 2018
Forest School Level 2 Training Autumn 2018
Would you like to learn more about the Forest School approach to teaching and learning, and how to be more effective in assisting with the planning and delivery of Forest School Sessions led by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Practitioner. This 4-day training course on 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th October (times vary), a tools skills day November 6th, plus assisting with planning and delivery of three Forest School sessions will equip you with skills and ongoing support to complete…
Find out more »Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School- over 8s
A fantastic day at Abbotts Hall Farm for over 8s who love to be outdoors and active. Drop them off in the morning so they can make dens, climb trees, get muddy, use tools, create art, make fires and cook on a fire. Our Forest School programme will help to build confidence, self esteem and develop social skills and all in the beautiful setting of Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School site. Suitable clothing and possible a change of clothes required.…
Find out more »Nature Tots – Abbotts Hall Farm
A weekly preschool group for under 5's on Monday's in term time and Wednesday's in the school holidays Let your little ones get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through trees on our rope swing, relax in our hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting muddy, lots of layers if cold, waterproofs…
Find out more »March 2019
Fires and Cooking – Abbotts Hall Farm
These courses are designed for adults working with children and young people in an outdoor setting. You will develop skills suitable for children that can be used in Forest School or other outdoor learning sessions This course is run by Essex Wildlife Trust Outdoor Learning team and located at the beautiful Abbotts Hall Farm, which has woodland, meadows, gardens and two working forest school sites. We will explore the following: Varieties of tinder and kindling Wood types and how they…
Find out more »Forest School Leader Level 3 Training (RQF) Spring 2019 – Abbotts Hall Farm
During this nine day course we will equip you with skills and support you to become a qualified Forest School practitioner with full understanding of the Forest School ethos and the woodland ecosystem. This nine day course will equip you with skills and ongoing support to complete a portfolio and run a pilot Forest School required to become a qualified Forest School practitioner. Course dates March 13th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th 9am-4pm and two tool skills days April 30th and…
Find out more »Nature Tots Forest School – Abbotts Hall Farm
Let them get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing , relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! (free taster session on your first visit)
Find out more »Nature Tots Forest School – Abbotts Hall Farm
Let them get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing , relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! (free taster session on your first visit) Booking Essential
Find out more »April 2019
Coastal School Leader course (RQF) Easter 2019 – Abbotts Hall
An accredited Coastal School training course to equip you to run Coastal School session for children at your local beach/estuary. This Qualification can be an add on to Forest School level 3 Leader Award to develop skills using coastal environments – beaches, tidal rivers, estuaries and rocky shores. This module will cover: Sustainable management of Coastal habitats. Identification of common flora and fauna. Health and safety, risk assessments. Site use, permissions and required documents related to coastal habitats. Tides and…
Find out more »Nature Tots Forest School – Abbotts Hall Farm
What happens at Forest School? Let them get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing , relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! (free taster session on your first visit) Booking Essential
Find out more »Forest School Over 5’s – Abbotts Hall Farm
Do your children love to be outdoors and active? At this events they'll make dens, climb trees, get muddy, use tools, create art, make fires and cook on a fire. Our Forest School programme will help to build confidence, self-esteem and develop social skills and all in the beautiful setting of Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School site. Booking Essential
Find out more »Forest School Over 5’s – Abbotts Hall Farm
Do your children love to be outdoors? Drop off your over 5s and let them get outside and be active! Make dens, climb trees, get muddy, use tools, create art, make fires and cook on a fire. Our Forest School programme will help to build confidence, self-esteem and develop social skills and all in the beautiful setting of Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School site. Ensure suitable clothing, including waterproofs, and a packed lunch. Booking Essential
Find out more »Exploring the History Of Abbotts Hall Farm: Two Day Course
A two-day course running over two weeks where we will explore the 4,000 year history of the home of Essex Wildlife Trust and its surroundings. Working together, both in the classroom and in the field, we will discover how history has shaped the land and the use our ancestors made of it. We will range from the bronze age, through monasteries and the dark days of the second world war and stopping off in between. No previous knowledge is required…
Find out more »Forest School Over 8’s – Abbotts Hall Farm
Do your children love to be outdoors? Let them get outside and be active! Make dens, climb trees, get muddy, use tools, create art, make fires and cook on a fire. Our Forest School programme will help to build confidence, self-esteem and develop social skills and all in the beautiful setting of Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School site. Booking Essential
Find out more »Nature Tots Forest School – Abbotts Hall Farm
What happens at Forest School? Let them get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing , relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! (free taster session on your first visit) Booking Essential
Find out more »May 2019
Level 2 – Outdoor learning practitioner – Abbotts Hall Farm
This two day accredited course at Abbotts Hall Farm provides practical skills and expertise to teaching staff and environmental educators to take the curriculum outside and improve outdoor areas for learning. About the course • Gain confidence in using grounds and local outdoor spaces for learning. • Enrich children’s learning motivation and experience. • Inspire staff to take curriculum learning outdoors. • Learn new outdoor activities and develop green spaces for wildlife and learning. • Develop green spaces in your…
Find out more »Improve Your Birdwatching – Warbler ID – Abbotts Hall Farm and Abberton
The first part of the morning will be a classroom session at Abbotts Hall Farm looking at warbler identification, followed by a short walk to put the theory into practice. After lunch - please bring your own- we’ll drive to Layer Breton Causeway at Abberton Reservoir in search of more warbler species. binoculars will be useful if you have them Booking Essential
Find out more »Mindfulness – Abbotts Hall Farm
This course is run by Essex Wildlife Trust Outdoor Learning team and located at the beautiful Abbotts Hall Farm which has woodland, meadows, gardens and two working forest school sites. The courses are designed for adults working with children and young people in an outdoor setting. You will develop skills suitable for children that can be used in Forest School or other outdoor learning sessions. We will be introducing you to Mindfulness and how this can be used within your…
Find out more »Forest School Leader Training Level 3 (RQF) – Abbotts Hall Farm
During this nine day course we will equip you with practical skills and provide on-going support for you to become a qualified Forest School practitioner with deep understanding of the ethos of Forest School and the natural environment. Course dates May 21, 22, 23, June 17, 18 and two tool skills days June 24, 25 plus regular ongoing Forest School Portfolio surgeries (dates to be confirmed) and a work-based assessment. Course content: This course is designed for those who would…
Find out more »Nature Courses: Barn Owls – An Introduction – Abbotts Hall Farm
This adult only course is an opportunity to learn more about this iconic wild bird species, with no previous knowledge required. The course will focus on the ecology of Barn owls, as well as conservation initiatives and surveying techniques. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided during the day, but please bring your own lunch. Please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. Booking Essential
Find out more »June 2019
Forest School Assistant Level 2 (RQF) June 2019
This four day Level 2 award in Assisting in Forest School accredited course develops practical skills to become a qualified Forest School assistant. We will provide on going support to enable you to assist with planning and delivery of three Forest School sessions with an established trained Forest School leader and complete a workbook and learn how to use tools, light fires. Course dates June 10, 11 July 1st and tool skills day on July 2nd at Abbotts Hall Farm…
Find out more »Summer Sleepout – Abbotts Hall Farm
Celebrate the 'Big Wild Weekend' by grabbing your tent and taking this amazing opportunity to camp at stunning Abbotts Hall, site of Essex Wildlife Trust's headquarters, nestled in the sleepy farmland countryside around the village of Great Wigborough. Take part in WILD activities, such as an evening walk to spot owls, or listening out for bats with our special detectors. A special birdbox-monitoring demonstration will take place on the farm the following morning, and our moth-trapping expert will guide you…
Find out more »Nature Course: Bumblebees – An introduction to the Study of Bumblebees – Abbotts Hall
This adults only course at Abbotts Hall Farm will cover the range of bumblebees found in Essex and the UK, the books available to aid identification and other learning, methods of observation and preliminary skills in putting a name to specimens. The day will be spent looking for bumblebees to name and discussing their behaviour and ecology. Bring your own lunch. Booking is essential
Find out more »Nature Course: Butterfly Identification and Recording – Abbotts Hall
This adult only course is aimed at people who are interested in volunteering to take part in butterfly monitoring in Essex as part of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. The course will cover butterfly ecology, identification of common Essex species and butterfly surveying using the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme methodology. The course will also include an opportunity to search for and identify butterflies around Abbotts Hall Farm, weather permitting. Bring any guide books you have as well as notepads and…
Find out more »Open Air Theatre “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontё at Abbotts Hall Farm
Join Essex WildlifeTrust in the beautiful gardens at Abbotts Hall Farm for this Heartbreak Productions outdoor adaptation of Emily Brontё’s haunting tale of two restless souls as wild and untamed as the bleak Yorkshire moors. Do bring a picnic. Refreshments and a bar are available. Recommended for age 9 +, Running time: 2 hours 20 mins inc. interval Booking is essential
Find out more »July 2019
Nature Course: Dragonflies and Damselflies – A Beginners Guide – Abbotts Hall
This adult only nature course at Abbotts Hall Farm is aimed at those of you that wish to know more about these fascinating species that are proving increasingly popular. You will be able to understand the life of dragonflies and their importance as an indicator of a healthy environment. The morning will be looking at the lifecycle, threats and species that occur in Essex. The afternoon will concentrate on practical identification so that the course attendees will feel confident in…
Find out more »Nature Course: An Introduction to Barn Owls, Abbotts Hall Farm
This adult only course at Abbotts Hall Farm is an opportunity to learn more about Barn Owls, the iconic wild species. No previous knowledge required. The course will focus on the ecology of Barn Owls as well as conservation initiatives and surveying techniques Booking essential.
Find out more »August 2019
Summer Holiday Forest School – Over 8’s – Abbotts Hall
Make dens, woodland crafts, using tools, light fires and learn about wildlife at the Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School. Forest School is a child-led process facilitated by our Forest School trained leaders. These drop off days run throughout the holidays - children can make dens, learn to light a fire and cook over the fire, learn about wildlife, learn how to use tools safely and HAVE FUN! Children are registered, and must be signed out at the end of the…
Find out more »Nature Course: Wildlife and Photography – Abbotts Hall
This adult only nature and photography course at Abbotts Hall Farm is aimed at the beginner/improver. The workshop will include a classroom session as well as practical outdoor session which will focus on finding wildlife photo opportunities and providing advice on improving your photos. It will not cover the technical side of photography. We will be outside so please do wear appropriate clothing and footwear, camera equipment and binoculars. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but please bring a…
Find out more »Saltmarsh Ecology and Identification – Abbotts Hall Farm
This adult-only course at Abbotts Hall Farm is an opportunity to learn more about this iconic habitat and no previous knowledge is required. The course will focus the ecology of saltmarshes, as well as conservation initiatives and surveying techniques. There will be a classroom-based morning session followed by a field-based afternoon session where you can put your saltmarsh identification and surveying skills into practice. Saltmarshes epitomise the Essex coastline and are valuable habitats for both wildlife and people. The uniquely…
Find out more »September 2019
Improve your Birdwatching: Raptor ID – Abbotts Hall
This is an edult only event at Abbotts Hall Farm, starting with a classroom session looking at how to identify birds of prey followed by a short walk to scan the saltmarsh areas for raptors and put the theory into practice. After lunch we’ll drive to Abberton Reservoir (probably Layer Breton causeway and Wigborough Bay) in search of more species. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but please bring your own lunch. Booking is essential
Find out more »Nature Course: Wildlife Gardening – Colchester
This EWT adult-only Wildlife Gardening Nature course being at Abbotts Hall is aimed at anyone who is interested in making space for wildlife, whether you have a small garden, courtyard garden, allotment or an acre or more of land. The course will cover small scale features that can make your garden more wildlife friendly; plants for pollinators and decisions you can make to encourage wildlife within your local landscape and help wildlife populations in the wider countryside. There will also…
Find out more »Forest School Level 3 Training September 2019
Would you like to set up a Forest School? Would you like to become a qualified Forest School Practitioner? This is a nine-day course at Abbotts Hall Farm from 9am to 4pm on 25th, 26th, 27th, 30th September, and 1st October, plus tool skills days on October 24th and 25th, plus portfolio surgeries and a work-bases assessment. Course content: • Attend training days which consist of both theory and practical tasks. • Run a Forest School programme in your chosen…
Find out more »October 2019
Nature Course: Folklore of Trees – Abbotts Hall Farm
Folklore of Trees is a one day adult only nature course at Abbotts Hall Farm exploring what trees have meant, practically and spiritually, to people in Northern Europe throughout history. The day will start with an indoor talk followed by an afternoon in a nearby woodland. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but please bring a packed lunch. Booking essential
Find out more »Forest School Drop Off Day – Abbotts Hall Farm
Abbotts Hall Farm Over 8s Forest School session will encourage your children to explore, have fun, make new friends, learn new skills and so much more. Let them get outside and explore, build dens, climb trees, use tools, make fires and cook on a fire. Advance booking essential. Please arrive in plenty of time to complete appropriate paperwork. Meet at the picnic benches in front of the head office. Please bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes, waterproofs, drinks and a packed…
Find out more »November 2019
Early Years Foundation Stage Forest Skills – Abbotts Hall Farm
The Early Years Foundation Stage Forest Skills course is run by the Essex Wildlife Trust Outdoor Learning team and held at Abbotts Hall Farm Great Wigborough which is the Trust's under 5's Forest School site The courses are designed for adults working with children and young people in an outdoor setting, learning skills that can be used in Forest School or other outdoor learning sessions. The course will provide you with lots of inspiration, practical activities and games to enhance…
Find out more »Literacy Outdoors Forest Skills for Adults – Abbotts Hall
This course, delivered by the Essex Wildlife Trust Learning Team, is designed for adults who would like to delivery literacy to pre-school and primary school age children outdoors in a Forest School setting. The course is for people that work with children that have forest school experience or want to take teaching outside. It will offer ideas to how to link literacy sessions outdoors in a natural fun way Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but please bring a…
Find out more »January 2020
Abbotts Hall Farm Nature Tots
A wonderful regular event for pre-school toddlers at Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School. Let your tots get outside and explore! Look for creepy crawlies, build dens, balance on ropes, get messy in our mud kitchen, fly through the trees on our rope swing , relax in the hammock, play woodland games and watch the fire. The only limit is their imagination! This is a Forest School Nature Tots that is child led with themed activity each week, we play in…
Find out more »Improve Your Birdwatching – Abbotts Hall farm
The Improve Your Birdwatching course at Abbotts Hall Farm starts with a classroom session looking at topics as varied as choosing binoculars and telescopes, when and where to look for birds, technology, fieldcraft skills and bird identification, followed by a short walk to the Wetland Hide to put the theory into practice. After lunch, there will be a longer walk around the farm in search of more birds. The course is suitable for all levels. Bring your own lunch and…
Find out more »February 2020
Improve your Birdwatching- Gull ID – Abbotts Hall Farm
We will start the day with a classroom session at Abbotts Hall Farm where we will be looking at gull identification. We will then take a short drive to Layer Breton Causeway at Abberton Reservoir to put theory into practice. When we get back to Abbotts Hall Farm, we will stop for lunch before driving out to West Mersea in search of more gulls! Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but lunch is not included, please bring a packed…
Find out more »Forest School Drop-Off Day (Over 5s) – Abbotts Hall Farm, Colchester
Drop your children off at Abbots Hall Farm and let them get outside and explore, have fun, make new friends, learn about wildlife, build dens, climb trees, use tools, make fires and cook on a fire. Booking essential. Please provide a packed lunch, plenty of drinks, suitable clothing including waterproofs and sturdy shoes. Our Forest School programme will help to build confidence, self-esteem and develop social skills and all in the beautiful setting of Abbotts Hall Farm Forest School site.…
Find out more »March 2020
Improve your Birdwatching-Duck ID – Abbots Hall Farm
This is a classroom session, suitable for all levels, on how to identify duck species and is followed by guided walks at Abbotts Hall Farm to see how many species we can find. It's a chance to put classroom gained knowledge into good practice outside in the open air. After lunch, they'll be a longer guided walk to find more and ID species. It would be useful for you to bring some sturdy outdoor footwear as there will be a…
Find out more »Forest School Training Level 3 (RQF) – Abbotts Hall
During this nine-day course at Abbotts Hall Farm we will equip you with a wealth of practical skills and provide on-going support to complete a portfolio and run a pilot Forest School required to become a qualified Forest School practitioner with deep understanding of the Forest School ethos and the woodland environment and wildlife. Course dates October 18, 19, 20, 23,24 and April 21 and 22, 9am to 4pm each day. Plus regular ongoing Forest School Portfolio surgeries (dates tbc)…
Find out more »Introduction to Biological Recording – Abbotts Hall Farm
A short course at Abbotts Hall Farm giving a general introduction to the importance of biological recording and the use of species records in conservation. The course will cover what information is needed to record species, how to submit records, and how they are being used. Feel free to bring in any guide books, equipment and notebooks to use on the day. A USB stick would also be useful. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, but it is recommended…
Find out more »Ropes, Fires and Tool Skills – Abbotts Hall Farm
This adult-only one-day ropes, fires and tool skills course at Abbotts Hall Farm is for adults working with children and young people. There is a mix of theory and practice and will be based outdoors. The course will help you to remember those pesky knots, how to safely use a range of hand tools with children and cover different methods of fire lighting and cooking. Lunch is included. Booking is essential
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