Environmental Education Workshops
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
Our Peak District Environmental workshops help you develop your understanding of nature, from the macro-geological to the micro of lichens and everything in between.
Unlike many environmental education workshops focused on training teachers or facilitators to deliver environmental education, this is a practical, in-person workshop for anyone who wants to learn more about the natural environment itself.
Who Is It For?
Anyone who works or plays on the hills and crags and wants to know more about their surroundings. Ideal for aspirant or qualified Lowland Leaders, Hill and Moorland Leaders, Mountain Leaders, Rock Climbing Instructors and MCIs who want to know a bit more and pass the knowledge on. 1 CPD point for MTA members.
You don’t need to be a teacher, educator or outdoor professional to attend. The workshop is also suitable for people who want to better understand the wildlife, plants, geology and landscapes of the Peak District.
Peak District Environmental Workshop: Overview
We meet at 9 am, and after initial introductions (and a cuppa), the workshop will spend a bit of time in the classroom looking at the Geomorphology of the Peak District. This helps us understand the range of birds, animals, trees, plants, lichens and fungi that have made the Peak District their home.
We examine everything in bite-sized (and hopefully fun) chunks so that you are able to pass on the knowledge to those you work or play with. Before we leave for our first location, we look at the wide range of field guides, phone apps and other aids to help us both understand what we see, but also pass on the knowledge in a fun and engaging way.
We drive a short distance to our first workshop location and go for a walk looking at what we see, smell and hear. Sometimes we are near a cafe for lunch, but we don’t guarantee it, as we tend to search for the best nature – if another Lammergeier comes by, we won’t sit in a cafe and miss it!
We will normally finish the environmental workshop at a second location to experience slightly different birds, animals and plants.
The workshop will finish at around 4:30 pm.
Most environmental workshops cover the environment of the Dark Peak, but look for our White Peak / Orchid specials.
About the Tutor: Chris Allewell
Chris has a lifelong fascination with the natural world. The excitement of his first bird watch in the garden with his grandfather at the age of four still hasn’t left him.
He undertook his first degree in Microbiology in Sheffield. Here he got up close with the smaller inhabitants of the Peak District with a research thesis on lichens. He has interspersed work in training and development around the world with his passion for inspiring others about the outdoors ever since.
As well as running environmental workshops and guiding natural history groups in the UK, he has worked in a Chimpanzee sanctuary and led birdwatching tours in W Africa.
He volunteers for the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts and is a Fellow of both the RSPB and the RGS.
He has led walking and climbing groups all over the world and has course-directed over two hundred Mountain Training leadership courses.
Why Choose Beyond the Edge?
Beyond the Edge is a specialist training company based in the Peak District, with courses designed for individuals and small groups. We use low instructor-to-participant ratios, prioritising safety and fun.
On our environmental education workshop, you’ll see:
- A small maximum ratio of 1:8
- A combination of classroom learning and outdoor exploration
- Expert guidance from Chris, who has worked in the outdoors for more than 25 years
- Practical learning focused on the geology, wildlife, trees, plants, lichens and fungi of the Peak District
- Guidance on useful field guides, apps, and other tools that you can continue to use after the workshop
We focus on getting outside, noticing more of your environment, and developing your own understanding of the natural world.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £55
- Duration: 1 day
- Ratio: 1:8
- Level: Introduction
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
We can, if required, deliver environmental workshops at your place of work or add additional courses to an overall package.
Please contact the office, and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
The Environmental Workshop will meet at 9 am in the Anglers Rest, Bamford (S33 0DY) in the Hope Valley.
Tea, coffee and the legendary biscuit tin are available from about 8:45.
Bamford has ample free parking, good bus and train links to Sheffield and a good train link to Manchester. It is a 1km walk from Bamford train station to the Anglers.
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Equipment Required
Please bring warm and waterproof clothes, binoculars & a hand lens (if you have them), a packed lunch and a means of recording everything you learn.
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Fitness Level
We undertake short to medium walks on our environmental workshops. The terrain underfoot will be rough.
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Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge environmental workshop is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley; a variety of options are listed on our Accommodation page.
If you are struggling to find something or want something special, contact the office, and we will endeavour to assist.
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FAQs
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How Do I Book an Environmental Workshop?
The best way to book an Environmental Workshop is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options above and then submit your booking and pay or request an invoice. If your course is under six weeks away, you must pay the full amount.
For bespoke environmental workshops/study days, get in touch first so we can check diaries and, if required, give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the Course Include Accommodation?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District, we work out of the Anglers Rest, Bamford (S33 0DY) in the Hope Valley. Accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke environmental workshops and events, we can arrange whatever you desire, from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and Everything Else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage.
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What Are Some Examples of Environmental Education Activities?
Environmental education activities can include:
- Identifying birds, animals, trees, plants, lichens and fungi
- Exploring local geology and landforms
- Using field guides and identification apps
- Walks that encourage you to pay closer attention to what you can see, smell, and hear
In our environmental education workshops, we combine different activities with visits to a variety of locations so that you can experience all of the nature found across the Peak District.
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Do I Need to Be a Teacher or Educator to Attend an Environmental Education Workshop?
No. This workshop isn’t a teacher-training course. It is open to anyone who works or plays on the hills and crags and wants to learn more about their surroundings.
Aspirant and qualified outdoor leaders may find it useful for developing knowledge they can share with others, but you can equally attend simply because you’re interested in nature and want to understand more about your surroundings in the Peak District.
