Bodnant Gardens Trip
Pre-School visit National Trust site
On Monday 24 April 2023, the Pre-School had a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the changing spring environment as they visited Bodnant Gardens.
Bodnant Gardens is a world-renowned National Trust property located in Conwy, North Wales. The gardens are a true wonderland, offering stunning views of the Snowdonia mountains and the Conwy Valley, and are home to a vast collection of plants and trees from around the world.
The gardens are divided into several themed areas, each with its unique features. The upper garden is famous for its terraced lawns, rare plants, and the enchanting Italianate-style terrace. The lower garden is a more naturalistic setting, with wildflower meadows, tranquil water features, and ancient trees. The gardens are also home to several historic buildings, including a Victorian Bathhouse and the magnificent Pin Mill.
The Pre-School’s trip to Bodnant Gardens was a perfect opportunity for the children to learn about the natural world and its changes during the spring season. The children were encouraged to look out for different colours and insects, such as bees and butterflies, and explore the different areas of the garden. This kind of hands-on learning experience is invaluable for children, as it helps them connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.
The school's commitment to connecting pupils with their local environment and the outdoors in general is unwavering. In addition to the trip to Bodnant Gardens, the school also runs a Forest School, which is a unique educational experience that takes place in a woodland setting. The Forest School aims to provide children with an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the environment through exploration and discovery.
The Forest School encourages children to engage with the natural world by participating in activities such as birdwatching, bug hunting, and den building. The aim is to encourage the children to appreciate and care for the environment, and to develop a sense of responsibility for its preservation.
The Pre-School's commitment to connecting its indoor learning to exploration and discovery in the outdoors is evident in its approach to teaching about birds. The children learn about different types of birds indoors and then listen to and identify their birdsong when in the Forest School. This kind of integrated learning experience is a great way to encourage children to see the connection between their indoor learning and the natural world outside.
The recent visit to Bodnant Gardens was an extension of this approach and with Pre-School pupils set to visit the beautiful National Trust site again several times over the coming weeks leading up to summer, we are sure parents will hear many more tails about the colours, plants and insects our children discover!
