The Peak District is one of the most visited National Parks in the world. Its wild open moorland and contrasting limestone dales has made the Peak District one of Britain's best-loved landscapes. This impressive landscape provides excellent opportunities to study science, history, geography, geology, biology, tourism or undertake activities such as climbing, caving and canoeing - and much more!

If you are intending to bring a school group to the Peak District then please consider the following:

All land is owned by someone

Even Open Access land requires the landowner to give permission for a group to access it. Check first that you are allowed to take your group to your chosen site. For more information email: information.losehill@peakdistrict.gov.uk, or telephone the National Park Study Centre on: 01433 620373.

Click here to view the Country Code

People live here

There are over 38,000 people who live in the area so try to think in advance about:

• Where you can park your coach or bus without obstructing others
• If it is essential that you carry out questionnaires (many villages are over run with surveys), how you will ensure that students carrying them out in a considerate way
• The most suitable dates for the visit - will there be lots of other schools at the same location also carrying our questionnaires or field work

Are there organisations that can help you?

If you are stuck for ideas and new material then try these links:

Download or print a Factsheet.
View the Peak District National Park Authority's Education Service brochure.
Search for an organisation that provides resources and/or education leaders.
Search for a farm that offers safe education tours.

What about being safe?

No doubt you are aware of the Health and Safety Advice provided by your Local Education Authority. You may also find the following pointers useful to encourage students to wear suitable clothing for the sometimes wet and windy Peak District!:

• Trousers of substantial material but NOT JEANS
• Good waterproofs (including trousers)
• Good supportive footwear (particularly ankle support)
• Warm clothes, including a woolly hat and gloves (even if it looks like it might be sunny – come prepared for the worst!) and a spare jumper
• A pack-lunch, including a drink (fresh air makes you hungry!) and a rucksack to carry it all in

If you are carrying out outdoor activities such as climbing etc, then it is likely that you will be working with an organisation that has an Activity Licence who will provide appropriate equipment for your group.

You might like to download/print:

'There is no such thing as bad weather' - a National Park Education Service handout for students.
'Avoiding Ill Health on Open Farms - Advice to Teachers' Health and Safety Executive Information Sheet.
'Health and Safety on Education Visits' from Teachernet.