NEWTON FIELD CENTRE

LIFELONG LEARNING
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Lifelong learning courses at Newton Field Centre are open to anyone interested in the subjects offered. Many of the courses start at an introductory level and no prior knowledge is expected. Stout footwear and rainproof clothing are recommended for ecology / natural history courses involving field work. It is advisable to bring a packed lunch for Saturday meetings (coffee and tea are available at the centre). Self-catering overnight accommodation is available - telephone or email for details.
COURSES FOR 2009

Family Courses
Family courses are suitable for primary aged children and their carers. The aim of the courses is to introduce participants to the variety of wildlife found in local habitats throughout the year. Each day will involve a mixture of field work plus indoor activities designed to encourage an interest in the natural environment and and develop the skills of observing, identifying and recording wildlife.
Tutor; Georgina Hand
Fee: £5 / person

Tuesday 7 April, 10.00am - 3.00pm

WOODLANDS IN SPRING
After a walk along the River Ise to a local woodland participants will have the opportunity to investigate the different plant layers that form the basis of woods and the creatures associated with them. Back at the centre there will be a indoor session with microscopes to examine finds, both plant and animal, in more detail.

Tuesday 26 May, 10.00am - 3.00pm

MEADOWS AND PONDS
Spend the morning discovering plants and animals in the centre's grassland reserve, and the afternoon sampling a local pond with nets and examining the catch back in the centre's laboratory. A wide range of invertebrates should be found, which will be identified using microscopes and pictorial guides and described in terms of life cycles, feeding habits and adaptations.

Wednesday 2 September, 10.00am - 3.00pm

THE RIVER ISE
The River Ise at Newton is a great place to observe a wide range of animals and plants, both in and near the water. The morning will be spent on the river bank taking records and collecting samples from different habitats. In the afternoon samples will be examined and the use of freshwater invertebrates in assessing pollution will be demonstarted.

Tuesday 27 October, 10.00am - 3.00pm

HEDGEROWS AND HISTORY
The first part of this course will involve pratical work on identifying hedgerow plants, ageing hedgerows (some may date back to Norman times) and investigating their importance as wildlife habitats. The second part will look at the history of Newton including the abandoned village of Little Newton, the influence of the Tresham family and a rebellion over the enclosure of land.


Saturday 12 December, 10.00am - 2.30pm

THE COUNTRYSIDE AT CHRISTMAS
A walk in the local countryside to look for the tracks and signs of wildlife active at this time of year will be followed by an indoor practical on making natural bird feeders and Christmas decorations from material collected.

For more information about courses please contact the centre. Email