Education with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Far Ings National Nature Reserve

Far Ings National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, near Barton upon Humber in North Lincolnshire, consist of over 180 acres of open water, reedbeds and meadow. The site originally formed part of the old clay pits from which clay was extracted in the late 19th century. When the works were abandoned in the early 20th century the pits gradually filled with water. This provided the basis for the colonisation by wetland plants and animals forming the habitats you see today.

There are over 100 acres of freshwater lakes, reedbed, meadow, scrub, and foreshore which are home to 230 species of wildflowers, 50 nesting bird species and over 250 species of moths have been recorded. An experienced team of wardens manage these habitats for the benefit of wildlife.

Far Ings Nature Reserve has been utilised by schools, colleges and universities for many years and has a comprehensive range of activities available for all age groups.

Educational opportunities The Education and Community Action Project (ECAP) has resulted in the provision of four new education staff, one of whom has responsibility for Far Ings. All activities are tailored to meet the corresponding areas of the National Curriculum and the QCA Schemes of work. Study options are available for all key stages including further education. Higher education and adult education can be catered for. The ECAP team members are continually developing new study options and are happy to design an alternative programme wherever possible. All activities are available on a relatively informal basis to recreational groups no matter what age or background.