Ventures West runs a variety of activities to complement schools' curricula and other educational attractions, such as visitor centres and eco-centres. Our aim is to work with groups and organisations to help raise awareness of the marine/natural environment and the history/heritage of Cumbria's coastal region. We have tried and tested different half or 1 day activities: Field trips for school/research groups, boat trips to partner attractions and ecotours of the Solway Firth and its coast. These are aimed at schools, universities/research centres, visitor centres, museums, aquaria, ecology centres and other educational establishments.
Field Trips For school or research parties of up to 10 plus teacher(s) on board the Sarah Lindsell. The former pilot boat is fully equipped with all modern marine electronics, on-board facilities and some educational resources. Example field trip topics we can work with you on: - Biology eg marine ecology, wildlife and birdlife; the Solway Coast AONB and SSSI
- History and heritage eg the Romans and the Solway; landing routes of the infamous Solway Smugglers; ship building and the industrial revolution; the role of the Solway in Borders history; the American invasion of Whitehaven
- Renewable energies - construction of the Robin Rigg windfarm; harnessing the power of the wind and waves.
Local geography - tides, erosion and climate change etc.
We are always happy to discuss particular curriculum or resource requirements. ^^^ Boat trips to other centres/attractions We can arrange joint days out in conjunction with other attractions and centres. For example, why not combine a visit (say to the Rum Story in Whitehaven, the Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport, the visitor centre at Silloth or the Sellafield Visitor Centre) with a trip on the Solway, providing a practical element to your learning experience. We can collect or deliver your group to the nearest landing point. Water sampling for micro-organisms after a trip to the Aquarium, for instance?
^^^
Ecotours Being a special haven for marine life, birdlife and flora, the Solway Firth and its coast offer abundant opportunities for looking at different aspects of nature - from marine wildlife (harbour porpoise populations, visiting basking sharks or the hoards of jellyfish that follow the planctonic soup into our waters) to bird migration, weather systems or renewable energies. For all of the above activities, Ventures West can provide: the boat(s), skipper and crew, refreshments, all safety equipment and educational materials depending on the nature of your field trip. We are also happy, where appropriate, to bring in associate experts, to address your particular field of interest. ^^^ Safety is paramount for all sea-based activities. Ventures West operates a rigorous safety policy and complies with the strict safety requirements of the MCA and RYA (governing bodies for the marine commercial and training sectors). More... Risk Assessments can be supplied, after discussion with you, for your group's specific trip. As all our activities, boats and skippers are licensed by the MCA and RYA, AALA recognition is not required. CRB checks for all staff coming into contact with children can be produced. ^^^
|
