Great Dixter is a fantastic place for a school trip. Most visits incorporate a trip to the garden and the woods where there will be time for child-led play. Catherine tailor-makes visits depending on your topic, and the time of year. She is a qualified level 3 Forest School Practitioner and has over 10 years experience as an outdoor educator. 

Experiences can include:

Parts of a plant, how we can help plants to grow, plants in the local environment, and planting a seed to take home. 

Use of senses in exploring the garden and woodland at Great Dixter- with lots of games and activities.

Exploring and sketching in the garden, recording bold shapes and patterns, using these to create prints using safeprint printing blocks.

Discovering Great Dixter’s ancient coppiced woodland through a range of different activities. Fire lighting, use of small hand tools to create a name badges or friendship bracelets, preparing food to cook over the fire, songs, sensory games and stories, building shelters and exploring the woods.

Visits to our historic Great Barn (one of the most important and largest Medieval barns in Sussex) and see some of the traditional coppice crafts that are practiced on site, including hurdle and ladder making

Investigating plants and animals in the local environment. Using the rich and diverse landscapes available at Great Dixter including our ancient coppiced woodland, dipping pond and rich biodiverse meadow, children will describe, identify, group and compare different habitats and their inhabitants.

Visits:

All primary school visits to Great Dixter include a full day of planned activity with the Education Officer as well as use of the education room at Dixter Farm for lunch and as part of planned activities. As the garden is small, we usually accept a maximum of one class in a day, unless the garden is closed to the public or a special programme is planned- though we may be able to take 1 coach load and split the group- please ask. Accompanying adults are free of charge.

Prices range from £6.50-£9.00 per child depending on the chosen activity, and the resources involved. Timings for the day are flexible- the longer you are able to come for the better!

To book a visit or discuss your group’s needs, please contact Education Officer, Catherine Haydock: [email protected] or tel: 01797 334042.