Environment & Field Studies

There are many popular activities at Hagg Farm which help young people to learn about the environment and encourage them to develop responsible attitudes. The Centre has extensive resources of field study equipment including nets, conservation tools, quadrats, microscopes, light meters, pooters, ranging poles, soil testing kits and identification keys.

Hagg Farm itself has a wildlife garden containing a pond and a freshwater stream is within a short walking distance. The Centre is surrounded by areas of broadleaved and coniferous woodland, pasture and rough pasture. Situated close to the reservoirs with their associated history of the 'Tin Town', flooded village and wartime links with the bouncing bombs there are superb opportunities to learn about a unique environment.

wildlife garden

The high heather moorland of the Kinder and Bleaklow plateau and the Northern gritstone edges are within walking distance. A short drive away is the contrasting landscape of the White Peak with its limestone caves and dales.

Hagg Farm has developed good links with the Peak District National Park Ranger Service and the National Trust, both of whom regularly work with school groups on conservation activities.

Teaching Materials

The Rowlee and Fairholmes Circuits
The two most frequently used local walks each have sets of materials including sketch maps, worksheets and photographs which raise issues such as human impact, erosion and land use.
Whose land is it anyway?
A pack with ideas and activities to help young people appreciate the impact of humans on their environment, land use in a National Park. Key Stage 3 Geography

Pond Study
A set of resources including detailed lesson notes for a half day study of the wildlife garden pond. Sampling methods, identification, adaptations and feeding relationships are covered. Appropriate for KS 3 & 4

Best Foot Forward
A booklet which focuses on footpath erosion and footpath protection schemes.

Hagg Farm Math's Challenge
This material requires pupils to solve a crime by gathering and processing numerical information. It requires a minimal degree of literacy and numeracy.
Field Study Sites
This material indicates useful field study opportunities and sites in the neighbourhood of Hagg Farm.

Upper Derwent Valley
There are 3 Upper Derwent Valley Packs aimed at KS 4 and above. They are 'Leisure and Life' which focuses on tourism. 'A Well-watered Landscape' which focuses on water collection and management and 'Conservation and Land Use' which looks at sustainable development in the National Park.
There are a selection of guidance notes available to help teachers lead art sessions using natural materials including sculptures, 'dream catchers', the 'peephole trail' and 'journey sticks'.