For Teachers and Group Leaders
Education Bookings for Ranger Time
We have had a significant number of requests for ranger supported educational visits to the Park. Consequently, as of 26 March 2012 we are unable to offer ranger support for any further bookings this school year. This situation is temporary until August 2012 when we will gladly accept bookings again for the new school year 2012/13. We will not accept further booking forms until 1 August when the system will be re-opened. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
How to Book
Rangers can assist in planning and preparing for a visit and
have expert knowledge of the Park’s areas. To book an activity or discuss a programme tailored towards the needs
and interest of your group please follow these steps:
1. Contact the relevant Ranger staff and discuss the date
and subject of your visit, other visits which you would like to tie in with the
trip, and estimated group numbers (please include all adult helpers).
2. Complete and return the group booking form
that will be sent to you or download the form here:
3. Ranger staff will contact you to confirm the booking on
return of the completed form, finalise the programme and let you know who will
work with you on the day of your visit.
Please note: Occasionally the National Park
Authority may wish to take photographs of your group participating in the
activities. If this is something you will not provide consent for please advise
the Ranger coordinating who will ensure your wishes are adhered to. The
National Park Authority will keep the images for no longer than four years and
will only use them for promotional purposes.
4. Your booking is not complete until you receive a
confirmation email from the Ranger.
Please give a minimum of four weeks notice when arranging a school/group visit to the Park.
Please note: Balmaha Visitor Centre will be closed for refurbishment from 31 October 2011 until April 2012. Teachers and group leaders should be aware that this means there will be no shelter or toilet facilities available in the area until next year. Please take this into consideration when planning a trip to the area. If you need any further advice please get in touch.
Please note: Balmaha Visitor Centre will be closed for refurbishment from 31 October 2011 until April 2012. Teachers and group leaders should be aware that this means there will be no shelter or toilet facilities available in the area until next year. Please take this into consideration when planning a trip to the area. If you need any further advice please get in touch.
Health and Safety
Rangers
work with a ratio of 1 Ranger to 15 group participants, excluding adult helpers
accompanying the group. Rangers are vetted by
Disclosure Scotland, they complete Risk Assessments for all activities
provided, are qualified First Aiders and always carry first aid kits. A copy of
the Risk Assessments can be sent to you if required. For further guidance on health and safety
related to outdoor learning please visit Education Scotland’s website.
Preparing for a Visit
You do not need the latest Goretex jacket,
trousers or fancy hiking boots to enjoy a visit to the National Park. Sensible
footwear (including wellies), a decent waterproof and you are ready to go! Being warm and dry are the priorities, it is not about fashion! To enhance the
experience we recommend that teachers and group leaders look at the suggested
kit list and ensure that all pupils/group members are
properly prepared and bring the appropriate items when visiting the National
Park. For a detailed kit list click here.
Cancellation
If you are unable to carry out your visit please let us know
as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Group Responsibilities
During your visit the Ranger(s) will be responsible for
guiding and leading your group, however it remains the responsibility of the
group leader/teacher to oversee the discipline and behaviour of the
group/class. Please respect the people living and working in the National Park,
follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and always dispose of your litter in a
responsible manner.
The
National Park Authority observe the right to stop or cancel activities should
the behaviour of the group cause concern.
Feedback
So that we can continually improve our service we would like you to comment on how you thought your
visit to the National Park went. We welcome any new ideas and comments. Please complete a short
education activities feedback questionnaire by following this link www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/educationsurvey.
Further Information
If you have an enquiry about arranging a school/group visit
to the National Park please contact:
Jim Downie
Learning & Development Adviser
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Authority
Tel: 01389 727736
Email:
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The teachers area on the UK National Parks website will help you teach about National Parks in the
classroom and give you all the help you need to visit a National Park
with your group.
