Secondary and higher education

This is a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn about the spectacular variety of birds found in Norfolk from our bird hides. Students will learn bird identification skills and compare the adaptations and behaviours of different species, culminating in carrying out a bird survey.

Available at: NWT Cley Marshes, NWT Hickling Broad, NWT Holme Dunes, NWT Ranworth Broad

Key words: Adaptation, behaviour, species, migration, prey, predator, conservation, food chain

Experience wetland habitats from a unique perspective. Our knowledgeable boat operators will provide a brief history of the Norfolk Broads, and what makes them so special to our wildlife today.

Available at: NWT Hickling Broad, NWT Ranworth Broad

Key words: Habitat, species, ecosystem, peat, conservation, management, food chain, nature corridors, biodiversity

An interactive exploration of the diverse habitats and species we manage sites for. This session provides students with insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by our special wildlife, and how we manage our sites for wildlife, whilst also keeping people in mind.

Available at: NWT Cley Marshes, NWT Foxley Wood, NWT Hickling Broad, NWT Holme Dunes, NWT Ranworth Broad, NWT Roydon Common, NWT Thorpe Marshes

Key words: Habitat, adaptation, behaviour, species, life cycle, camouflage, prey, predator, conservation, biodiversity, climate change, mitigation

Explore the fascinating ancient history of the beach and geology at West Runton. Students will learn how the climate and creatures have changed over time. They will have the opportunity to handle our fossil collection, and learn what to look out for when searching for fossils.

Available at: West Runton Beach

Key words: Geology, erosion, evolution, adaptation, extinction

A chance for students to investigate the biodiversity of the freshwater habitat; students will carry out freshwater sampling and invertebrate identification. They will use the Simpsons Diversity Index with the data collected.

Available at: NWT Cley Marshes, NWT Hickling Broad, NWT Ranworth Broad, NWT Thorpe Marshes

Key words: Management, sustainability, eutrophication, conservation, biodiversity, abiotic, biotic factors, turbidity, niche, abundance, species richness

Students will learn about the theory behind different mammal surveying techniques and explore their strengths and weaknesses. Students will carry out owl pellet dissection to get some hands-on experience.

Available at: NWT Hickling Broad

Key words: Predator, prey, life cycle, classification keys, biodiversity, ecosystem, conservation management, land-use

This session explores the rare rockpool habitat and dependent rocky shore species at West Runton. Students will learn how species have adapted to live in the sea and on land in one of the harshest and most changeable habitats. This session can be adapted for surveying work. Please let us know what your area of interest is.

Available at: West Runton Beach

Key words: Habitat, North Sea, Marine Conservation Zone, adaptation, camouflage, predator, prey, sustainability, biodiversity, life cycle

In this session students will learn about and appreciate the importance of sand dune formation as a natural sea defence. They will identify key stages in the psammosere, (sand dune succession), measuring the profile, plant diversity and abiotic factors along a transect. Students will have a key insight into the dynamic nature of the changing coastline.

Available at: NWT Holme Dunes

Key words: Succession, psammosere, pioneer species, dune stages, community, biodiversity, sea defence, erosion, deposition, longshore drift, native/non-native/invasive species, conservation management, systematic surveying

Visiting staff lead this session. This session can be incorporated as part of a visit with other, NWT-led sessions.

Available at: NWT Cley Marshes, NWT Hickling Broad, NWT Holme Dunes, NWT Ranworth Broad, NWT Thorpe Marshes, West Runton Beach

This session is designed to enable students to investigate the species richness and abundance of terrestrial invertebrates in their chosen habitat/s. They will conduct an invertebrate survey using different techniques and consider the impact of abiotic factors on their results.

Available at: NWT Hickling Broad, NWT Holme Dunes, NWT Thorpe Marshes

Key words: Management, sustainability, conservation, biodiversity, abiotic, biotic factors, niche, abundance, species richness and evenness, sampling – random, systematic

This session explores how tourism has changed the landscape and economy of Norfolk, looking at effective tourist management strategies and sustainable tourism options.

Available at: NWT Cley Marshes, NWT Ranworth Broad

Key words: Conservation management, stakeholder groups, costs and benefits, eutrophication, climate change