Living Things

Every visit will include a scavenger hunt around the Victorian Rose garden linked to your chosen theme or the origin story of St. Osyth Priroy. Children can climb the 104 steps to the top of the Darcy Tower to survey the landscape and different habitats in the area: woodland, meadow, coast, and wetland (Key Stage 2 children and above). Children will take a ride on the Tractor Trailer to spot the variety of wild animals and birds as well as see our two herds of deer and rare breed farm animals.

In addition, choose from one of the following topics, each includes something to make and do to take back to the classroom.

Pond Dipping: join us on the edge of Seal Pond to found what lives in its peaceful waters. Students will dip their nets into the water and then use scientific keys to identify the vertebrates and invertebrates they have found. They will also learn how to check and evaluate the pond's health as a habitat. Learning activity focusing on life cycles: dragonfly and damselfly are both found around and in the pond (as nymphs), and this activity helps students to understand their fascinating lifecycle.

Owls and birds: look at the seasonal nesting habits of bird species found at St. Osyth Priory, examining food chain and habitat threats to owl and bird species. Dissect an owl pellet.

Marvellous Mini Beasts: use meadow sweeping and sheet collection techniques to survey mini beasts. Use flow charts to aid identification and classification of different insects.

Natural Art: discover the works of artists such as Andy Goldworthy and Richard Long, and use the nature and beautiful environment of the Estate to create your own works of art.

Powerful Plants: learn about the power of plants, particularly those used in medicine. Identify and collect plants from the Estate and discover their uses. Create a pomander using these plants to take home.

Trees and Trunks: trees from the Estate have been used for timber to create Henry VIII's navy and we have a large variety of native and non-native species. you will learn tree identification skills and use a measuring tapes to age different trees on the Estate.