Lifelong learning and corporate days

Lifelong Learning

The nature reserve and Visitor Centre often host visits by local lifelong learning groups interested in everything from photography to basket-making, and birdwatching to ancient history. You’re welcome to visit the Centre for free (though for groups larger than 10 we do ask you pop a little something in our donations box).

Alternatively, we can often offer you a guided tour or illustrated talk about the site and our work, at very reasonable rates. We ask that all groups book their visits in to us whether or not you’re booking our staff time (we have lots of school groups visit too, and prefer to avoid having multiple large groups in the centre at one time). If you’re currently planning your group’s visit, please contact the visitor centre for more information on how we can help you get the most from your day.

The 'Outdoor Office'

Conservation Work Days for Companies

A conservation work day is a unique experience within Bournemouth for companies and employers who want to bring their team out for the day to make a difference for wildlife, within some special reserves, in this beautiful seaside town.

You will be assisted by one of our Countryside Rangers as you undertake a task to help improve a rare habitat such as a reedbed, woodland or meadow. We will answer any questions and give you as much information as to how important the task is that you are undertaking.

Make a difference

Taking part in a task like this is a great way of showing that your company strives to make a difference in the local environment, whilst at the same time, promoting team work and improving morale.

The task could be constructing a new fence, clearing scrub from a meadow, clearing out a pond or clearing an aggressive plant species, we have a range of tasks available at different times of the year to suit all sizes of group. No previous experience is needed, we are on hand to provide the guidance and helping hand needed to give your employees an enjoyable but valuable day away from their normal work environment.

These are some of the experiences that we have offered previously:

• Reedbed restoration at Hengistbury Head
• Ragwort digging at Iford Meadows
• Scrub bashing at Turbary Common
• Fence construction at Hicks Farm
• Path repair or construction along the River Stour

We can tailor your day - view our poster here. To help us with your enquiry, please tell us a bit more about what you're looking for.

Evening Talks

Our Rangers and Centre staff also offer evening talks to local groups, explaining the work we do, how it benefits the site and helps our visitors to enjoy the reserve. If you’d like us to be a guest speaker for your group please contact the Visitor Centre for our current rates and availability.