- This event has passed.
Wild Academy: Back to Nature
August 18 @ 10:00 am – August 20 @ 3:00 pm
This three-day workshop is a great opportunity for young people to connect with nature, learn about conservation and explore the Somerset countryside.
Programme Overview
This three-day workshop combines exploration, discovery, and creativity, with each day focusing on a different theme: Nature, Countryside, and Conservation.
Day 1 – Nature
-
Arrival and introduction to Secret World Wildlife Rescue
-
Pond dipping and minibeast hunt
-
Moth trapping activity
Our first day introduces the wildlife that thrives in and around our site. Participants will learn about the creatures living beneath the water and in the undergrowth, using identification guides to spot pond life and minibeasts. As the day ends, we will set up a moth trap to reveal the hidden night-time visitors to our site.
Day 2 – Countryside
-
Checking the moth trap results
-
Countryside walk
-
Small mammal survey set-up
We will then travel to Belmont Estate to spend the day with their Nature Connection team. As part of our partnership with Belmont, participants will learn about rewilding in action, exploring how habitat restoration and natural processes support biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems.
Day 3 – Conservation
-
Checking small mammal traps and recording results
-
Building bird boxes or bug hotels
-
Guided tour of Secret World Wildlife Rescue
Our final day focuses on conservation and what we can do to protect wildlife at home and in our communities. After checking our small mammal traps and learning about monitoring techniques, participants will take part in a creative conservation activity, building a bird box or bug hotel to take home. The session concludes with a tour of Secret World’s facilities, where young people can see our interactive displays and learn about our work rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals.
You’ll be joining George, our Head of Education and Public Relations who developed a passion for wildlife and nature after a couple of visits to our centre when he was younger. He’s now delivering our education programme and passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
“The pace of the course was just right, the breaks were perfect (time wise), the content was fun and there was no time for boredom. George was amazing, he was patient, very helpful, knowledgeable about British wildlife and he was really kind.” Review from attendee in 2024
Course Details
Duration: Three days (all sessions must be attended)
Age Range: 10–14 years
Location: Secret World Wildlife Rescue, East Huntspill, Somerset
Participants should bring a packed lunch each day. Refreshments will be provided as part of the ticket price.
Important Information
Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a working wildlife hospital and registered veterinary practice. For the safety of our visitors and the welfare of our patients, there will be no direct contact with wild animals during your visit. This ensures we maintain the highest possible standards of animal care and rehabilitation.
