Threave Garden & Nature Reserve and Rockcliffe teacher information

Threave’s wonderful garden and wider estate are a haven for wildlife all year round. Rockcliffe is one of Scotland’s prettiest coastal nature reserves.

Introduction

Threave has many different habitats, including its beautiful and famous garden. On Threave Nature Reserve, there are several woodlands, a wildfowl refuge with bird hides, wetlands (designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and the 14th-century Threave Castle (managed by Historic Environment Scotland). Threave House, built in the Scottish baronial style, can be found at the centre of the garden and has been restored to its 1930s appearance. Tours of the house, which can be booked in advance, tell the story of the Gordon family who built the house in 1872.

Rockcliffe is an attractive stretch of coastline (National Scenic Area), 7 miles south of Dalbeattie. The site includes an ancient hill fort and an island bird sanctuary that can be reached at low tide via a causeway (please do not visit during May/June due to nesting birds). The whole area is a mosaic of different habitats, and is particularly important for breeding warblers, butterflies, reptiles and plants.

The school programme at Threave and Rockcliffe offers many opportunities for engaging with the Curriculum for Excellence. Ranger-led tours are available at both sites, and activities can be designed to match different Levels and pupils’ requirements. Secondary schools are also welcome – please call us to discuss your requirements in advance.

Possible themes

Freshwater and woodland habitats (Threave)
Meadow and seashore habitats (Rockcliffe)
Minibeasts and plants, as well as many other Science topics

Cows graze in fields on a nature reserve.

Threave Nature Reserve

Learning resources

Pond-dipping activities can be arranged.
There is an Education Room at Threave.

The Threave Landscape Restoration Project is a ground-breaking, 100-year initiative on Threave Nature Reserve. This 80-hectare site has been transformed from a former dairy farm into a dynamic, adapting and biodiverse site featuring wetlands, woodlands and grasslands.
To accompany the project, we have created a series of learning materials to support young people’s learning across a variety of ages and disciplines. These materials were created in partnership between the Galloway Glens Scheme and the National Trust for Scotland.

Find out more about learning resources

Threave landscape learning resources

Planning your class visit

To book: please contact us on 01556 502575 for a booking form.
Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Maximum class size: 30, with a ratio of 1 teacher/adult to 10 pupils
Access: please phone us to discuss your pupils’ requirements. There is also information on the Threave and Rockcliffe webpages.
Parking: there is ample parking for school buses/coaches in the car park next to the visitor centre at Threave. There is ample parking for school buses/coaches in the Rockcliffe car park, which is a short walk from the beach.
Toilets: these are available at the visitor centre and Stables café at Threave. There are public toilets next to the beach at Rockcliffe.
Refreshments: there is a café in the visitor centre at Threave. Pupils are welcome to eat snacks/packed lunches in the gardens at Threave. There is also a wet-weather shelter for lunches (this needs to be pre-booked). There are places for picnics at Rockcliffe (including the beach). There is no indoor area at Rockcliffe and we advise you to arrange for the coach to remain on site.
Both sites have been risk assessed. Teachers are expected to prepare their own risk assessment for their class visit.

Charges

For the latest charges, please contact the property.
Class teachers are encouraged to make a free preparatory visit to the sites.

A red squirrel sits on a leafy woodland floor, surrounded by orange and brown fallen autumn leaves. A chunky twig lies in the foreground. The squirrel appears to be resting its front paw on its hind leg. Its long tail is stretched out behind it.

A red squirrel by the Kelton Wood hide

During your class visit

Upon arrival: please report to the visitor centre at Threave (or to the rangers at the beach car park at Rockcliffe) unless otherwise arranged at the time of booking.
Trust staff will lead the school programme.
Timings for the school programmes vary according to your pupils’ requirements and will be agreed when booking your visit.
For the school programme, your class will be split into groups, depending on the size of your class.
Teachers are responsible for their pupils and their behaviour.
Pupils do not need to bring materials for the school programme.
Pupils may take photographs in many areas at Threave and Rockcliffe but not inside the mansion house – please check when booking.
Coats and bags can be left in the Education Room at Threave. At Rockcliffe, they can be left on the coach if you have arranged for the coach to remain on site.
Shop: pupils are welcome to visit the shop at the visitor centre at Threave, in small groups under teacher supervision.