Self-guided
Teacher-defined
KS1
Garden Plant Discovery - Self-guided KS1
Explore Burghley’s gardens to put plant learning into practice - spot different plants and trees, and enjoy plenty of outdoor discovery along the way.
Session overview
Continue the day’s learning as pupils explore Burghley’s gardens at their own pace. Surrounded by trees, flowers and varied planting, pupils can look closely at the plants they encounter, revisit ideas from the Green Plants workshop and discover how different species grow in different environments.
Teachers can shape the experience around their own learning objectives, using the gardens to explore plant structure, seasonal change, habitats and pollination. Whether pupils are spotting deciduous and evergreen trees, searching for signs of wildlife or sharing their observations, the visit offers plenty of opportunities to put classroom learning into practice through first-hand discovery.
What pupils do
Activities are chosen and planned by the teacher but could include:
- Explore the gardens with their teacher.
- Identify different trees, flowers and plants.
- Look for deciduous and evergreen trees.
- Observe the different parts of plants and trees.
- Search for signs of pollinators and other wildlife.
- Discuss how plants change through the seasons.
- Compare plants growing in different garden environments.
- Sketch, photograph or record observations where appropriate.
- Revisit ideas introduced during the Green Plants workshop.
What to expect
- Teacher-led exploration
- Flexible opportunities to revisit and extend learning from the Green Plants workshop.
- A range of trees, flowers, habitats and planted spaces to observe.
- Opportunities for discussion, investigation and observation.
- School staff supervise pupils throughout the visit.
SEND & accessibility
- The self-guided format allows teachers to adapt activities to meet the needs of their pupils.
- Pupils can explore the Gardens at a pace appropriate to the group.
- School staff accompany pupils throughout the visit and provide any additional support required.
- Accessible routes are available through much of the Gardens, although paths and surfaces vary. If you'd like to discuss specific access needs, just let us know.
