Introduction:

Open all year. Parking charge. Throughout the hundreds of acres of unspoilt countryside the Park offers opportunities for recreation walking, picnicing and barbecues. Waymarked trails help you discover the different areas and habitats, including the forest nature trail, woods and meadows walk, paw trail and orienteering course. Part of the forest trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and has a tapping rail for the visually impaired. The 17th centuary style Visitor Centre houses interactive exhibits, the Woodland Cafe and a shop with countryside gifts. There is a play area for under fives with giant woodland animals, plus a park adventure playground for under twelves. For horse riders, a special licensed bridleway is also available. Cycling can be enjoyed in High Hill Field and on the cycle route.

School activities:

They cater for schools (mainly KS1/2 and pre-school) on a self guide basis and recommend that teachers visit beforehand to discuss their requirements with the Visitor Services Manager, in order to plan the day.

High Wood Barn Visitor Centre

Inside the centre there is a video of bird activity, interactive exhibits, aquarium and shop. If you wish to visit please do so in groups of 5-10 only. Let the Visitor Services Assistant know wht time ou will be visiting the centre. It should not be used as wet weather cover.

Classroom

A lockable room is available to hire in which to leave equipment and bags. This is the only wet weather cover available and will hold a maximum of 40 people.

Educational Activities

There is not an Education Officer at the Park. All visits are self guided with assistance from the Visitor Services Assistant. Worksheets and equipment are available for loan. Parts of Itchen Valley Country Park are classed as Open Country i.e the pond and water meadows and orienteering course - teachers must be certified to carry out activities in these areas.

Tree trail - follows the woods and meadows trail.
Orienteering - there is a permanent two mile course.
Primary Science - woodland as a habitat - plants, mini beasts, food chains, adaptation, camoflage. Seasonal sensory walks.
Primary Scient - wetland as a habitat - pond and stream dipping, food chains, adaptation.

Activities suitable for children 5-10 years:

Teddy Trail - Country Code.
Ollie Owl trail
Brass rubbing trail
Touch boxes.
Parachute games.

Teachers' Briefing Pack

A teacher's briefing pack detailing the activities and the costings is available on request.