Educational Activities in Sutton Park

The Sutton Park Visitor Centre (pictured above) provides comprehensive information about many aspects of the park. This includes information on wildlife, history, ecology, archaeology, park events and other club activities. The Visitor Centre also contains displays on wildlife and other environmental features of the park. The Centre provides a comprehensive resource facility which can be utilized for educational projects by schools, colleges and other interested groups. Bookings can be made at the Centre or by telephoning 0121 355 6370.

The Centre is located near to the Town Gate Entrance and can be found at map reference M4. There are parking facilities in front of the building for disabled access.

Educational Facilities

Sutton Park is a great educational resource. At 2,400 acres (970 hectares), it is the largest urban park in Europe. The heathlands which cover half the park are the second largest in the Midlands and are of particular interest as they are a disappearing habitat. The wetlands are another habitat in decline throughout Europe. Sutton Park retains some very important wetland areas, which harbour many plants not found elsewhere in the surrounding counties. The woodlands contain most of our native trees, with a good many species that have been introduced over hundreds of years.

The park is also steeped in history from prehistoric man to Roman times.

The Ranger Service provides an educational service based on the environment, conservation and management of many parks throughout the city. Set out below is just an example of what is on offer to pupils, teachers, conservation groups or any other interested parties. Any alternative suggestions on walks, talks or topics would be seriously considered.

Bookings should be made through the Visitor Centre.

Pond Dipping

Pond dipping is a firm favourite with children, where they are encouraged to identify for themselves the many species of aquatic life found in the pond or stream and learn how they survive in their habitat. (Equipment provided).

Mini-Beasts

There are several areas in the park where logs have been distributed to encourage mini-beasts such as woodlice, centipedes, millipedes, beetles, etc. Clear plastic pots are issued to examine the finds which are then identified with the use of identification sheets.

(Equipment provided.)

Habitat Walk

A look at the heathlands, woodlands, wetlands and pools of the park, discovering how certain species depend on each habitat and how and why the habitats need to be managed.

Tree Walk

Why we need trees, their identification, uses and importance to man and their history over thousands of years. Particularly good during the Autumn when seed and fruit are on display.

History Walk

Taking in the Roman Road, the old rifle targets of Victorian times Rowton's Hill and Rowton's Well, which are thought to have been used by the Romans. A walk of approximately 2.5 miles (4 km).

Nature Detective

A walk of discovery, looking for clues to find out what lives where, and how the flora and fauna of Sutton Park have adapted to their own particular environment.