Primary (KS1 & KS2)

Come on a sensory journey as we explore the local environment. Use your senses to compare different textures, sounds, smells and tastes in our wildlife garden then look for different animals and birds in the wider park.

Visit the different habitats in Hyde Park and find out how they provide the basic needs for plants and animals. Hunt for minibeasts under logs, in the pond or out in the meadow. Use binoculars to find a wealth of bird life on the lake and surrounding woodland. Identify, name and classify common local animals; find food chains and feeding groups in our woodland and pond invertebrates. This session is also available in Brompton Cemetery.

Explore the park as the trees begin to blossom and early bees visit spring flowering bulbs. Find out how this fits into the life process of reproduction in plants. Observe and describe the changing seasons and how animals are taking advantage of warmer weather. Identify local trees and then make a seasonal artwork with natural materials to take home.

Explore the park as the trees put on their beautiful autumn display, discovering different seeds, nuts, berries and fungi as we go. Find out how they fit into the life process of reproduction. Observe and describe the changing seasons and how animals are preparing for winter. Create some leaf art to take home. KS2 students may also investigate seed dispersal.

Invertebrates living in trees are often forgotten but this is a great habitat to explore. Using nets and sheets we will shake the bugs from the trees then collect and examine them in specimen pots. Use binoculars to discover the trees' bird inhabitants and maybe some nests too.

Learn to use a compass, map and key before setting off on an orienteering adventure around Hyde Park. Locate landmarks on an Ordnance Survey map as you search for the next clue. Create a key to a map of our garden to take home. This session is available in Hyde Park or Brompton Cemetery.

New for 2023, we have extended this popular session to a full day option for Years 4, 5 and 6 in Hyde Park. The full day allows more time to stretch their learning and explore more of the park on their orienteering challenge.

Find out what we have done to try and make the Hyde Park Learning Centre as sustainable as possible. How can you do the same at home? Explore the distribution of natural resources and investigate renewable energy sources.

St. James's Park has a long and rich history. In London's oldest Royal Park, your group will discover quirky facts and stories about its past while learning to navigate around it. With a carefully selected set of activities including orienteering and drama, your group will never look at a park in the same way again! This local history study also involves elements of science, including mention of habitats and food chains. Maths skills will be needed to calculate distance using a map scale, and descriptive English language skills to develop and deliver a group drama on one aspect of the park’s history.

Please note that this session takes place entirely in St. James's Park, and is currently available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Explore the beauty of the changing seasons while creating a ground collage using the colour, pattern and texture of natural resources. Compare your work to that of some great outdoor artists and sculptors. Take home a leaf rubbing or sketch of a tree silhouette. Use magnifying glasses to find hidden patterns in nature. KS2 children can search for 2D and 3D shapes and different angles.