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Places for school visits

North East Rangers teacher information

The North East Ranger Service delivers countryside management and engagement for the National Trust for Scotland, with a focus on sharing the stories of nature at our places.

Introduction

Our estates offer opportunities for educational groups to learn about, experience and enjoy woodlands, ponds, meadows and the wildlife that calls them home. Combining practical learning and knowledge with engaging and interactive activities, the North East rangers bring a wealth of expertise and passion to inspire your pupils.

The North East Ranger Service operates at National Trust for Scotland properties throughout Aberdeenshire and Angus including: Barry Mill, Castle Fraser, Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle, Drum Castle, Fyvie Castle, Haddo House, House of Dun, Leith Hall and Pitmedden Garden.

Discover our full range of outdoor learning sessions for Primary or Secondary classes below.

  • A map graphic with red dots showing National Trust for Scotland places in Aberdeenshire and Angus.

    A map showing National Trust for Scotland places in the North East

  • Bluebells grow in a field in the foreground, with red-tin-roofed Barry Mill in the background. It is a sunny day with a deep blue sky.

    Barry Mill

  • The flight pond at Castle Fraser showing the surrounding woodland and blue skies reflected in the water.

    Flight Pond at Castle Fraser

  • A view of Craigievar Castle from across the leaf-covered grounds in the autumn

    Craigievar Castle

  • A line of trees on a country estate, with their leaves starting to turn orange.

    Crathes Castle Estate

  • A narrow path passes beside a large, gnarled oak tree.

    The Old Wood of Drum

  • A view of Fyvie lake taken from shore level on a cold day where the edges have slightly frozen. Ducks stand on the stony beach. Woodland surrounds the lake.

    Loch of Fyvie

  • A view of the exterior of the wooden hall in the grounds of Haddo House. It has a mossy roof.

    The hall at Haddo House

  • A view looking down an avenue of trees on a sunny day towards a grand country house. The sea and hills can just be seen in the distance.

    House of Dun

  • An aerial view of Leith Hall Estate showing large areas of woodland, with Leith Hall itself on the right.

    Leith Hall

  • A close-up view of some pale yellow primroses growing on the woodland floor.

    The woodland beside Pitmedden Garden

Booking and charges

All visits must be booked in advance. We book school sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. We advise booking with a minimum of 28 days’ notice, but as much lead time as possible is recommended. Once you have booked, you will be sent a confirmation email with pre-visit information. Please ensure you have read this prior to your visit.

  • £5 per pupil for ranger-led session ≥2 hours
  • £3 per pupil for ranger-led session ≤2 hours
  • Practical conservation sessions are free of charge

Teachers and supervising adults are free of charge.

We suggest a ratio of:

  • 1 adult: 5 pupils (Nursery)
  • 1 adult: 10 pupils (Primary)
  • 1 adult: 15 pupils (Secondary)

Where pupils require support on a 1:1 ratio, this adult should be included over and above these ratios.

How to book

When joining the North East Ranger Service for your educational visit, be ready for interactive sessions with learning at their core. Our sessions take in some of the best examples of the wildlife and habitats in the local area. Led and guided by enthusiastic educators, classes can look forward to in-depth sessions with the rangers, using a variety of scientific skills and equipment. Expect your class to get hands on with nature!

  • Identify the topic you’d like to learn more about on your visit
  • Find out where this session takes place and choose the best location for you
  • Let us know how long you’d like to visit for – we will design sessions to fit your needs

To enquire about a session or to make a booking, please download and fill out our schools booking form (below) and email the completed document to NERangerService@nts.org.uk

Download

Booking form for school visits

pdf (4.238 MB)

Download the booking form for school visits with the North East Ranger Service.

Download

What’s On for Schools programme for North East Ranger Service

pdf (23.574 MB)

This brochure contains details of the sessions offered by the North East Ranger Service, designed to help pupils explore interactive outdoor learning.

Explore further

Primary sessions with the NE Rangers
Secondary sessions with the NE Rangers
Practicalities for your school visit
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