Introduction:

Queen Elizabeth Country Park lies within the East Hants Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the South Downs. The Park, covering 1,400 acres, is dominated by the three hills of Buster, War Down and Holt Down, which provide contrast between the dramatic downland and beautiful woodland.

The Park is managed by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Forest Enterprise, to actively conserve and enhance the landscape and provide an educational and recreational resource for the public.

The Country Park is an ideal educational resource for studying many aspects of the National Curriculum. With its diverse land-use, range of habitats and experienced staff, the Park enables pupils to experience the natural world at first-hand.

To make a booking for your visit, wheter guided by park staff or for self-guided activities, please phone the park office (number above). For further information, or to discuss your particular requirements, a pre-visit meeting can be arranged with the Education Officer.

Self-Guided Activites:

Wayfaring/Orienteering

A pack is available with a map and notes on how to use the wayfaring course. There are three suggested routes of varying difficulty (packs 75p).

Space Trail

Believed to be the largest scale layout of the solar system in the British Isles. Devised by the Hampshire Astronomical Group, the Space Trail is 3.2km and waymarked through the Park (trail leaflet is 30p).

Downland/Woodland Waymarked Trails

Trails of varying duration allow you to explore many habitats and encompass spectacular views. Navigate by colour-coded posts (Park Map 75p).

Mountain Bike Trail

There are two trails designated for mountain-biking. The most suitable trail for all school groups is the purple trail which is 6km long and is indicated on the Park map. It is recommended that the group is led by experienced and qualified leaders.

Fieldwork

The Park provides opportunites for field study in forest ecology, biogeography and environmental science programmes. Some field equipment is available for loan.

Juniper Adventure Trail

A play area for adventurous eight year olds and over (free).

Fun Rucksack Hire

The rucksack includes a map with suggested route, an activity booklet and props such as pooters, blindfolds, nature's palettes etc. (£5 for morning or afternoon session, booking essential).

Videos

A selection of natural history videos are available for viewing in the theatre. (£5 for an hours session, booking essential).

Classroom Hire

Accomodates up to 30 pupils and costs £10 for half a day and £20 for a full day.

Parking Charge

Minibus parking £1 per weekday.
Coach parking £10 per day.

Guided Activities:

Sensory Explorers - Pre-school and KS 1 - Science

Using their senses, the children explore the Park's variety of colours, textures, sounds and smells. This session is especially suited to younger children.

Habitat Study - KS2 - Science & Geography

Woodland and Meadow - through a series of activities, the children are encouraged to draw comparisons between two very different habitats.

Woodland Discovery - KS1 & 2 - Science

Discover the woodland habitat and the relationships between its plants and animals. Activities include food chains and adaptions.

Autumn Amble - KS2 - Science

Discover how plants and animals adapt to seasonal changes with a main focus on seeds and their dispersal.

Tree Trail - KS2 - Science

Explore the basic life processes of trees, including growth, structure, function and seed dispersal. Also find out about the many uses of the Park's different tree species.

Mini-beast safari - KS1 & 2 - Science

Explore the world of woodland minibeasts aided by pooters and bug boxes. Use colourful keys for identification and create a minibeast work of natural art.

Cost - see below

Guided Activities for the Secondary/Tertiary age range KS 3/4 and post 16:

Countryside Management

This session looks at the management of the Country Park and related issues, including:

- the role of managing bodies - Hampshire County Council and Forest Enterprise

- partnership organisations

- the use of resources

- visitor management

- leisure and tourism

- marketing and the conflicts that can arise between recreation, conservation and commercial issues.

Conservation Management

This session looks at conservation work in the Country Park and includes the management of sensitive habitats, for example the chalk downland, species diversity, monitoring techniques, and land designations.

Individual Student Projects

Please contact the park office in advance to inform the Park of your proposed project details and any information required.

Non-school groups

The Park work with Brownies/Guides/Scouts etc and will design programmes specifically to meet a groups needs.

Holiday activities for February/Easter/May/Summer and October school holidays for children aged 5-12 years.

Cost

Visits led by Park staff are £1.95 per pupil for a two hour programme (minimum charge £40). Free parking.

Visitor Centre and Cafe

Information about the Park is available in the Visitor Centre which houses an audiovisual theatre and an activity area. There is also a gift shop and cafe.

Opening times

The Park is open every day.
The Visitor Centre and Cafe are open:
10am - 5.30pm every day from April - October
10am - 5.30pm weekends only from Nov - March
The Visitor Centre is open on weekdays from 9.30am - 4.30pm during November and December.