Biodiversity Education
An Creagan Biodiversity Education Service The Biodiversity Education Service is available to schools, community groups and the general public. All programmes are designed and led by qualified teachers. We are always happy to discuss your individual requirements and teachers are welcome to arrange a site visit before booking.
The service was established to promote awareness of our native habitats and the associated plants and animals. An Creagan centre is an invaluable resource in the study of bogland ecosystems and the impact that human activity has on them. The network of paths and interpretive panels allows safe access to the sites of study.
The environmental education programmes at An Creagan take advantage of the natural resources available. The emphasis is on active involvement by pupils in order to develop concrete observational skills and their understanding and enjoyment of the environment. Primary programmes have direct links to all four strands of ‘The World Around Us’.
But include components from all Areas of Learning. Secondary programmes are linked to the revised curriculum and CCEA specifications for Geography and Science.
All of the equipment used during your visit is supplied by the centre. All we ask pupils to bring is a packed lunch and to come equipped for bad weather and boggy paths.
About the Education Programmes
All programmes are designed and led by qualified teachers
Biodiversity Walks and Talks
If you belong to a local community group or conservation organisation and would like to book a walk and/or talk about the biodiversity of the area, please contact the Biodiversity Education Officer on 028 8076 1112 or email biodiversity@ancreagan.com
A series of Biodiversity events takes place throughout the year at An Creagan and in the surrounding area. Look out for up to date details in our events section and on Facebook.
For bookings contact Peter on 028 8076 1112
Early Years
The Wild Woods is an outdoor classroom facility which allows children the freedom to play and explore the natural habitats in an informal way. The idea is one which has been adopted widely in Denmark for many years and is now spreading throughout Europe and the UK with excellent results.
Our woodland school area covers about 1 acre and is fully enclosed with two gates for access. It provides the opportunity to learn through play and personal experience in the outdoor environment. The sessions are child-led and encourage the development of individual growth and interpersonal skills through multi-sensory, whole body experiences. The outdoor setting compliments their indoor classes but allows them to work on a larger, more active scale than possible in the classroom. Groups are encouraged to visit as often as possible throughout the seasons and in all sorts of weather!
Key Stage 1&2 - The World Around Us - Bog
This is a hands on programme which focuses on the importance of the peatland habitat and the similarities and differences between the plants and animals that live there. Pupils will be given an insight into the history and culture associated with peat bogs and a chance to see how turf was cut. Programmes are differentiated to suit the age and ability of your class.
Key Stage 3 - Peatland Ecosystem
An opportunity to learn about the bog habitat and the special plants and animals that live there. They will use practical fieldwork techniques to carry out a comparative study of two Peatland Sites, to show how peatland biodiversity has been affected by drainage, development and turf extraction.
AS Level Biology – Measuring Biodiversity with Simpson’s Index
A practical programme where students are given the opportunity to learn about the peatland ecosystem and the specialist plants that live there. They use random sampling techniques to measure species diversity on Creggan Bog using Simpson’s Index. They will also carry out a belt transect across a relic turf bank.