Children Canoeing At Runways End

About Runway’s End

Our programme is designed to support curriculum learning while teaching students about key environmental concepts, like climate change and sustainability. Nestled in the woodlands of north Hampshire, Runway’s End is the perfect place to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

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Runway’s End Outdoor Centre’s Environmental Programme

Empowering young minds

Climate change, sustainability and the environment are at the forefront of global conversation. But for educators, bringing these complex topics into classroom teaching can feel daunting.

The environmental programme at Runway’s End Outdoor Centre offers a powerful solution. We bridge the gap between theory and practice, immersing students in a captivating woodland setting where environmental education comes to life.

Ecosystems 2
Action Shot Holding Large Branch
Children Under Covered Canopy
Children Running Along Path
Child Caving

Beyond textbook learning

Students actively explore the natural world, collecting data, conducting experiments and making real-time observations. This hands-on approach encourages students to connect with nature and fosters a sense of environmental responsibility.

The programme is designed to align with curriculum objectives. Through engaging activities and expert instruction, students gain a solid understanding of key environmental concepts.

More than just the environment

While environmental education is our focus, the programme delivers a wealth of additional benefits. Students develop communication, teamwork and resilience through collaborative activities and challenges. Perhaps most importantly, we spark a sense of adventure and a lifelong love for the outdoors.

Tailored programmes

We are experts in tailoring programmes to suit all needs and all budgets, so if you cannot see anything which meets your requirements, then please reach out to our team who will be happy to create a bespoke programme for you.

Themes

Learn more about our themes.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

Discover the vibrant world of invertebrates. Dig in the undergrowth, dip your toes into freshwater ecology, and learn about the diverse ecosystems in canals.

This theme includes activities like:

  • nightline
  • minibeast exploration
  • canoe tour
  • pond exploration
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Bushcraft

Bushcraft

Our dedicated bushcraft day is rooted in the art of making use of natural resources in a sustainable way and living off the land.

This theme includes activities like:

  • fire lighting
  • outdoor cooking
  • primitive crafts
  • shelter building
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Ecosytems

Ecosystems and biomes

Use state-of-the-art field studies equipment to explore the diverse ecosystems of the UK’s canals and woodlands.

 

This theme includes activities like:

  • tall trees
  • caving
  • climbing
  • pond exploration

Tall trees includes fun forest engagement games, and teaches basic carbon calculations that can be used to find trees’ potential for sequestration.

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Energy

Energy

Take part in an action-packed day, tracking energy usage, and then create charts that show energy burned.

This theme includes activities like:

  • caving
  • soil and sustainability science
  • energy tracking during climbing
  • nightline
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Exploration

Exploration and navigation

From old-school orienteering to modern day geographical information systems, explore navigation through the ages.

 

This theme includes activities like:

  • orienteering
  • mapping
  • canoe tour
  • woodland walks (lichen science)
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Exploring Prehistoric Earth 2

Exploring prehistoric Earth

Explore the natural climate fluctuations of Earth’s history, how fossils are formed, and the geological landscapes around the UK.

This theme includes activities like:

  • caving
  • primitive crafts
  • woodland walks
  • nature art
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Forces And Materials

Forces and materials

Learn about the physical forces at play in the natural world and materials that are going to play a big part in a sustainable future with a fun twist on our classic activities.

This theme includes activities like:

  • astronaut adventure (water rockets and egg drop)
  • abseiling
  • archery
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Global Citizenship

Global citizenship

Develop soft skills that will help your students become kind, aware, and well-rounded global citizens, as they learn about global issues and local conservation efforts.

This theme includes activities like:

  • shelter building
  • fire lighting
  • soil and carbon
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Vegetation

Vegetation

Identify and appreciate the diverse world of plants, from big to small, within our biome and further afield. The sessions will have a seasonal twist depending on the time of year you choose to stay.

This theme includes activities like:

  • tall trees
  • crate stack
  • foraging
  • fire lighting
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Lifesupportsystems

Life support systems

Learn about water and carbon cycles through adventurous activities and field studies techniques.

This theme includes activities like:

  • canoe tours
  • soil and carbon science
  • wild weather sessions
  • abseiling
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Weather And Climate

Weather and climate

Explore microclimates and biomes as your students use field studies skills to compare weather in the forest, at height, and on water.

This theme includes activities like:

  • wild weather with abseiling
  • tall trees
  • woodland walks (lichen science)
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Start your adventure today!

What’s included?

  • Follow-up information after your programme to evidence achievements and outcomes for both individuals and groups
  • A course director to support the smooth running of the trip with daily morning meetings, feedback and reviews
  • One free group leader place for every 10 participants booked
  • Learning outcomes discussed to ensure a tailored programme to meet school’s aims and objectives
  • Self-led evening activity resources (e.g. campfire, bat walk, nature trail, games equipment)
  • 75% of the day programme delivered in small groups to a maximum of one instructor to 12 students
  • 25% of the day programme dedicated to larger group activities of up to 36 students to one instructor
  • Meals and accommodation starting from dinner on day of arrival to lunch on departure day
  • Pre and post visit classroom resources related to your chosen environmental themes

Upgrade available:

  • Pre-trip environmental tutor visit to school
  • Environmental tutor led evening sessions

Pricing

 1 night package 2 night (3 day) package 4 nights (5 day) package
Low season From £73 From £135 From £269
Mid season From £92 From £164 From £324
High season From £106 From £190 From £374
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Make a booking today to start your
class’ eco adventure.

If you’ve already booked your trip, log in to view your personalised programme.

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Our Team

  • Dean Basford, Runway's End Senior Instructor

    Dean Basford

    Senior Instructor

    Water-loving kayak instructor inspired by childhood outdoor adventures. Passionate about making nature accessible for all learning styles, helping students grow through exploration. Completed 100-mile self-sufficient trek at 16 in Eastern Europe. Aspires to train future instructors. Teaching approach: friendly, enthusiastic, and adaptable. Top tip: give every activity your 100% and lean on teamwork.
  • Becca Edwards, Runway's End Environmental Learning Coordinator

    Becca Robertson

    Environmental Learning Coordinator

    Wilderness-loving instructor who reads nature’s seasonal stories on woodland walks through Wellesley Woodlands’ rich history. Passionate about forging young people’s lifelong connection to the outdoors. Former zoo worker featured on TV’s “Animal Airport,” feeding snakes and tarantulas. Easy-going, student-led teaching style — happy to go off book. Top tip: give everything a go, you never know what you’ll get out of it.
  • Oli Maxwell, Runway's End Instructor

    Oli Maxwell

    Instructor

    Passionate climbing instructor who transforms fear into triumph. Dreams of teaching in the Alps. Loves seeing students grow beyond their comfort zones. Has two cockatiels. Would be a monkey – they climb, are loud, and funny. Teaching style: PUNS!
  • Zac Wynn, Runway's End Lead Instructor

    Zac Wynne

    Lead Instructor

    Canoeing-loving instructor who can’t imagine life behind a desk, drawn to the water and watching the canal shift through the seasons. Passionate about the small but meaningful changes in students -confidence gained, teamwork built, resilience shown. Holds a degree in Interior Architecture and Design, spending free time building furniture in his workshop. Chilled-out style, balancing empathy with banter. Top tip: pack more clothes than you think
Meet Our Team
Forces
Instructor In Kayak
Ecosystems 2
Exploration 2
Children Under Covered Canopy
Action Shot Holding Large Branch
Child Caving
Lifesupportsystems

Why choose us?

  • We’re all about young people growing and gaining life enriching experiences.
  • Our prices are transparent with no hidden extras.
  • We are quality focused, and safety assured.
  • We have experience and have been operating since 1964.
  • We offer support to young people who need additional financial assistance.
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Previous visitor feedback

It was an excellent forces themed day, linked well to year 5 science objectives. Instructors were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The children got a lot from it in terms of confidence building, resilience and knowledge gained

Heatherside School (Teacher), 2024

We had so much fun! I loved learning about how we can help the forest.

KS2 Dogmersfield Primary School (Student), 2024

The instructors were amazing, it was lovely we had the same [ones] throughout, the children really bonded with them. Thank you for making our week’s stay so special.

St Lawrence Primary School (Teacher), 2021