Where are we now?
The Park currently offers a range of opportunities for learning. There are currently
four main areas of activity in the Park : -
1. Education programmes
Our Youth and Schools Service provide a range of environmental and heritage education
programmes. These are designed to help meet the requirements of the National Curriculum,
and are targeted at primary and secondary schools, as well as those with special
needs.
Other education programmes are delivered through our Sports Development teams and
more informal learning opportunities offered through guided walks, events, on site
interpretation and information literature.
2. Partnerships with other educational institutions and organisations
A number of educational institutions and organisations currently work in partnership
with us to deliver learning opportunities within the Park. These include various
sports national governing bodies, the Countryside Foundation for Education, and
the National Veterinary College.
3. Vocational training
We deliver a small range of vocational training opportunities through the facilities
and open spaces within the Park.
4. Informal learning opportunities
The Park provides a range of interpretation signage as well as printed and web based
information about the features and facilities on offer. These all have a broad focus
on biodiversity and heritage.
What do we want to achieve?
- We want learning to become an integral part of the Park experience.
- To become a significant activity in its own right, one that encourages people to
visit.
- For the Park to become a venue for a wide range of learning opportunities.
- To develop an appropriate infrastructure throughout the Park to support learning
opportunities.
- To enhance and expand our own learning programmes.
- For other partners and organisations to make full use of the Park as a venue for
learning.
How will we deliver?
On our estate
We will
- Prepare a Learning Strategy that will identify the range of potential learning opportunities
within the Park. This will provide the coordinated framework for the ongoing enhancement,
development and marketing of learning in the Park.
- Ensure appropriate venues and facilities for learning activities are developed.
- Continue to expand and enhance our Youth and Schools Service. This will include:
- Expanding our programme to encompass learning opportunities for all.
- Targeting greater participation from across the region.
- Continue to enhance accommodation opportunities within the Park, to support extended
learning programmes and visits from across the region.
- Continue to expand and enhance the range of vocational training opportunities.
- Provide a high quality integrated network of information throughout Park.
- Continue to develop published and web based information that will provide more comprehensive
learning opportunities.
- Identify learning opportunities to inform visitors about
wider environmental issues such as climate change
and sustainable development.
Working with others
We will
- Continue to build on existing partnerships with local authorities, educational institutions
and organisations.
- Establish further partnerships where the Park facilities, operations and development
projects can contribute to learning opportunities.
- Work with these partners to ensure existing or future learning programmes, initiatives
or facilities form a complementary and coordinated part of the Park wide learning
offer.