Organised Groups

We have a number of activities that are popular with organised groups.

We cater for all sorts of organised groups, from cubs, brownies, scouts and youth groups, to employee outings, church groups, field clubs and local wildlife groups.  These can take place during the day or evening.  Typical organised group activities include:

Night Safari

Once Wat Tyler Country Park closes at night, a myriad of nocturnal creatures risk adventuring out. The common rabbit, fox, stoat, weasel, bats, birds, moths and other creatures are all capable of putting in an appearance - if you are quiet and watchful.  An introductory talk about nocturnal adaptations (assisted by 'once-living' specimens), will be followed by an hour's walk in failing light.
This can conclude with an exploration of one of our old cottages or some moth trapping.*  We can also look at the night sky.*

* Please note in summer months this activity takes place at dusk and the parts of the session requiring darkness will not be possible.

Heritage Walk

An array of Essex Heritage is hidden within Wat Tyler Country Park. 100 years ago a top secret explosives factory was vital to the War effort.

Education staff will reveal many of the little known secrets of this facility and help you discover the archaeology of the site.

The historic buildings provide the ideal location to learn about the crafts, past-times and folklore of a bygone age. 

This can include a story (or ghost story) by open firelight. 

Pond dipping

Take a closer look at the world of a pond and the invertebrate inhabitants of this strange environment.

Using pond nets and pond trays we will sample the creatures are in out specially constructed pond dipping ponds. 

Then (once inside if there is bad weather) we can identify our pond creatures using our identification sheets and see how many types we can find while playing 'pond bingo,' before taking a close up look using our microscopes and projector.

Minibeasting

Take a look at the invertebrates in the park.

Using our minibeasting kits we will sample the small creatures such as beetles, spiders, crickets and centipedes found in the different habitats in the park and use our Identification sheets to identify them. 

Depending on the time of year this will involves using sweep nets, bush sampling nest and simply looking under leaves, logs, stones and our specially placed minibeast mats. 

Craft activities

We offer a number of popular craft activities including the following:

Kite making - decorating, making and flying real flying kites.

God eyes - the traditional Huichol Indians craft.

Spinning and weaving - spin some wool and weave some material.

Corn dollies - the traditional harvest straw craft.

For further details please Contact the Wat Tyler Education Team.