Why not use this wonderful local resource to extend your children's knowledge and put their classroom learning into a real context
The Reserve's educational programme is managed by the Education Organiser who liaises with schools and junior community groups in the preparation of visits.
All visits are offered FREE OF CHARGE and any interested parties may contact the Organiser for information and arrange a pre visit tour if required. In-school talks are also available for a small donation to Reserve funds.
Who do we cater for?
The Reserve's educational programme is open to all age groups with local Primary Schools being particularly frequent visitors. The Reserve would, however, welcome visits from older children and is keen to engage further with this age group.
Experience indicates that one class at a time works best and would be the preferred arrangement but, being mindful of transport costs, two classes can be accommodated if necessary.
The Reserve also encourages visits from Scout and Guide groups providing activities appropriate for achieving badge awards.
When can we come?
The Reserve opens exclusively for schools on Tuesdays and Thursdays but other days may be possible by special arrangement - please bear in mind, however, the Reserve is open to the public Wednesdays and habitat maintenance volunteers are active Monday and Friday.
We also cater for Brownies and Beavers etc on evenings during the Summer months.
What will it cost?
The Reserve enjoys support from Natural England and can, therefore, offer all educational visits FREE OF CHARGE. Unfortunately this does not cover transportation costs to and from the Reserve.
Visiting parties will be required to complete a Natural England Evaluation Form on completion of the visit as part of the arrangement.
What activities can you provide?
The Reserve has many diverse habitats as detailed at Habitats and Species all of which can be made accessible during visits.
- Pond Dipping - always a very popular activity. The reserve has a large pond exclusively for educational purposes (see image top right). Nets, containers and Identification aids are all provided on site.
- Hedgerows - tree identification and importance of a hedgerow as a habitat
- The Honey Bee - An enlightening talk from the reserve's resident bee expert with a sweet taste at the end!
- Wildflower Meadows - concentrating on members of the pea family both cultivated and wild, the session examines seeds, flower shape, pod formation and dispersal.
- Bird Watching - identification of our common garden birds at one of the Reserve's feeding stations. Opportunity to use binoculars provided by the reserve.
- Mini Beast Hunt - opportunity to search for, catch and use magnifiers to examine mini beasts - count the legs and decide if it's an insect!
The reserve tries to be as flexible as possible and if visiting parties have any other activity requests or suggestions we will try and match your needs. As a guide for Schools please see Structure of a Typical Day
What else do we need to know?
Risk Assessment
We advise a pre-visit to the Reserve during which you can carry out a Risk Assessment and become familiar with the site.
Clothing
Staff and pupils should wear appropriate outdoor clothing including sturdy shoes or wellington boots - we would advise against sandals!
Behaviour
Teachers/Group Leaders will be responsible for the children's behaviour throughout the visit and should understand how to behave on the reserve and always follow the Country Code.
Animals and Wildlife
There are no farm animals on the reserve and direct contact, therefore, is extremely unlikely.
Staff/Pupils undertaking pond dipping activities will be required to thoroughly wash their hands immediately after the activity has finished.
Booking a Visit
Please complete the Enquiry Form below
| Recent visitors to Rodley Nature Reserve | |||||
| Hunslet St Mary's | Eastmoor Community Project Wakefield | Holybrook Primary | St Margaret's Rainbow Group | Armley Primary School | |
| SW Leeds Beavers | Calverley Parkside Primary | Bolton Royd School | Wetherby Cubs | Holyname Primary | |
| Prospect Childrens Nursery | Holy Name Rainbows | St Chads C of E | Farsley Farfield | Lambshill Nursery | |
| Airedale Beavers | Stanningley Primary School | Holy Name Primary School | Pudsey Scout Group | Benton Park School | |
| Cookridge Primary School | Horsforth Rainbow Group | Westbrook Primary School | Farsley Springbank Primary School | Myrtle Park Primary School | |
| Stanningley Primary School | Stanningley Primary School | Whingate Primary School | Whingate Primary School | Iveson Primary School | |
| 9th Airedale Cubs Group | Hollybroook Primary School Bradford | Alwoodley Brownie Group | St Oswalds Primary School Guiseley | Airedale Beavers Group | |
| Farsley Beavers Group | Valley View Primary School | Stanningley Primary School | Armley Youth Club | Westbrook Lane Primary School Bradford | |
| Whingate Primary School | St Margaret's Beavers | Calverley Primary School | St Margaret's Brownie Group | Beecroft Primary School | |
| Pool in Wharfedale CE Primary School | Farsley Farfield Nursery Group | ||||