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Here at Carlton Marshes, we provide first hand experience of Suffolk’s wild places. Our programmes help students to gain knowledge & skills to understand the natural world & empower them to make informed decisions about their role in shaping the living landscape around them.

Whilst every visit to Carlton Marshes is tailor made to suit your class and their curriculum needs, popular themes for activities emerge. Below are listed our most popular programmes. However we are flexible & will mix & match and tailor programmes to the needs of each group. We cater for all ages and specialise in working with GCSE and A-Level students

Popular Programmes:

	Wild art and sensory days (nursery/reception & KS 1-4): Gain inspiration from the natural world and use natural materials to create artwork. Using the senses to explore the environment: Sensory activities including: Smelly cocktails Woodland picture frames Rainbow strips Deer Ears Environmental curtains
	Freshwater Invertebrates (KS 1-4): Study the freshwater invertebrates found at Carlton Marshes using different sampling techniques: Pond Dipping - How are invertebrates adapted to life in the water? Looking at the impacts of pollution - carrying out comparative studies between clean and polluted dykes Understanding food chains/webs
	Footsteps of the future (KS 2-4): Explore options for alternative energy, discover the importance of water conservation, see where our food comes from and make a pledge for a more sustainable future: Alternative energy – discover the problem with fossil fuels, explore solar and wind power Water and waste – look at water usage & conservation & see where our rubbish goes Food miles – work out where our food comes from & how to reduce the carbon footprint
	Mapping and orienteering (KS 3-4): A great chance for you to learn how to use a map and compass. Put your knowledge to the test on an orienteering challenge around the reserve: Make your own map using natural materials Count your paces & put Fred in his shed Hide treasure for your friends to find using the map you have made Do the Carlton orienteering trail challenge.
	Plant succession and biodiversity (KS 4 & A-Level): Study the plant life and biodiversity at Carlton: Learn how to identify plants Look at how they are adapted to life surrounded by (or in) water Study the effects of succession on the environment and its wildlife Learn about the management of succession for maintaining biodiversity.
	Impacts of human management (KS 4 & A-Level): Study how the impact of human management affects the ecosystems at Carlton Marshes: Study the human impact on invertebrate populations through the impact of dredging or freshwater pollution Apply biotic indices to assess water quality as well as chemical tests Learn how plant and invertebrate communities respond to different conservation management techniques
	Project design and sampling techniques in ecology (KS 4 & A-Level): Vital for any good ecology project: Learn how to design a project, choose appropriate sampling techniques, consider the key variables and select relevant statistics to use when carrying out ecological investigations: Explore the human impact on invertebrate populations (due to dredging or freshwater pollution) Study the distribution of plants in response to different conservation management operations Collect data for coursework and learn how to evaluate your investigation thoroughly

We can also offer a cultural and historical programme, studying the broads and the shaping of the land and its wildlife. Please contact the centre to discuss this programme.

In addition to the above programmes, Carlton marshes can also provide a research site for pupils undertaking practical studies for GCSE or AS/A level. Courses can be developed with you to cover your particular syllabus requirements. Typically, a short introduction to the site is given in the centre, followed by fieldwork to collect statistical data which can take the form of one or several visits. Please contact the education officer for further information or to book your visit.

Our programmes are fun and flexible and will be tailored to your group's specific needs.
Full site and activity risk assessments are available on request for all activities, please ask for these if required.
If you wish to book a visit or have a query, please contact the Carlton Marshes Education officer:
Education Officer – Oliver Moore
Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Carlton Marshes Education Centre, Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, NR33 8HU
Tel:  01502 564250   email: carlton.education@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

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