Wildlife Educational Experiences that go beyond traditional learning

A Unique Learning Experience at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve provides an immersive and tailored educational experience for students of all ages. Based in West Norfolk, our 170-acre reserve is home to a wide range of animals across a range of habitats, including over 20 species of deer and antelope, as well as rare bird species. Our focus is on wildlife conservation and sustainability, we offer experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Our school trips are designed to align with each group’s curriculum and specific learning objectives. We work closely with educators to ensure that every visit offers meaningful and relevant learning opportunities, whether the focus is on ecology, evolution, habitats, adaptations, or other areas of study.

Tailored Educational Experiences

At Watatunga, we understand that every group has specific learning goals. Whether you’re planning a visit for a primary school class, a secondary school group, or students from a college or university, we tailor the experience to meet your needs. Our educational experiences can also accommodate specific groups, such as Brownies, Guides, SEN (Special Educational Needs) groups, home-schooled children, and other youth organisations. We provide a supportive environment for those who benefit from hands-on, outdoor learning, where they can engage with nature in a structured yet flexible way.

Each visit is around a 1.5 hour tour of our wildlife reserve, where students can observe animals in their natural habitats and learn about our conservation efforts. This is followed by an hour long educational session, which can be adapted to the specifications of your group. These sessions include interactive presentations, Q&A segments, and hands-on activities such as exploring animal pelts, antlers, and skulls. There is also the option for creative activities, such as making bird feeders, colouring, and a “Mini Wild Things” session for children aged 7 and under. Our Mini Wild Things sessions are woodland adventures that include singing, dancing, storytelling, craft, and unique nature exploration. Find out more about our Mini Wild Things sessions here.

‘The team are amazing. Their knowledge of animals, how this links with children’s learning and every time we have been we see different animals which means the same group can visit over and over if needed. The team always take time to answer any questions – however bizarre.’ – Watlington Community Primary School

Focusing on Conservation and Sustainability

Our educational programmes emphasise wildlife conservation and sustainability, encouraging students to think critically about their role in protecting ecosystems and wildlife. We highlight real world conservation challenges and successes, using Watatunga as a case study to show the positive impact of a well-managed wildlife reserve on endangered species.

Students also learn about the importance of biodiversity and how we can work to protect ecosystems for the future. These lessons are valuable to help students develop a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and develop a love for natural science.

Our wildlife reserve offers students an opportunity to observe animals in a naturalistic setting. Watatunga is designed to allow animals to roam freely across our reserve, providing students with a more authentic experience of wildlife behaviour. During our guided tours, students are led by our expert tour guides who provide insights into the animals’ behaviours, diets, and interactions with their environment. This close up experience helps students connect the content they learn in the classroom environment with first hand examples of animal behaviour and conservation. Discover more about the species that call Watatunga home here.

Opportunities for students and researchers

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve also offers student placement opportunities for those studying animal or veterinary-related courses, providing practical experience in wildlife care and management. These placements are highly competitive and offer students valuable fieldwork experience in both animal rounds and tour activities. Additionally, we support research projects in areas such as animal behaviour, species interactions, and habitat use, using our advanced equipment, including tracking collars and thermal imaging cameras. If this is something you may be interested in please contact operations@watatunga.co.uk (please be aware we only take placement students who are over the age of 18.)

A Learning Environment for All Groups

Watatunga welcomes all eager to learn groups, from local groups that are outside of an education setting to university scholars. Our goal is to create a flexible and inclusive environment whereby learning is driven by curiosity and the opportunity to engage with nature. By working closely with teachers and group leaders, we ensure that every visit is tailored to the needs of your students.

‘We chose Watatunga as we had been working on a project about the Environment and protecting the planet. We liked the idea of visiting somewhere local and the students could encapsulate what it would be like to see these animals in a natural environment more than a zoo setting. Some of the students that we brought to Watatunga would not necessarily have the opportunity to visit somewhere like this. The students loved it, those we brought this time have asked to come back again.’ – Iceni Academy Methwold

If you’re interested in arranging a visit, exploring research opportunities, or learning more about our educational programmes, please contact us. Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of conservationists and environmental stewards.

Discover our excellent reviews here.