NATURE
SECRET SOLWAY (SHORT WALKS)
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomTake a journey through time exploring the lesser-known inner Solway estuary coast of both Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway. This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Area of Conservation with internationally important salt marshes, sand dunes and wetlands; it is also rich in history, local culture and stories. It is renowned for
IDENTIFYING TREES AND UNDERSTANDING WOODLANDS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomGain a better understanding of different tree species and their ecosystems, their relationships with fungi, soil and other trees, and how we depend on them; learn about the differences between native, exotic and naturalised trees and where they might be found. This course will involve some gentle guided walks (on the level) through local woodlands
FULLY BOOKED: VISITING LAKELAND GARDENS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomJoin expert horticulturalist Louise on an intimate tour of Lake District gardens, including some not normally open to the public. Meet the gardeners, discover new plants and garden design inspiration behind the gates, walls and clipped hedges of some hidden horticultural gems of the Lake District. The same course is repeated in September. Louise Stoddart
THE ICE AGE AND ITS AFTERMATH IN LAKELAND
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomGeological field trips (with some rough, possibly muddy footpaths and a little elevation close to the road) combined with evening lectures. Learn how to identify and understand glacial landforms and features that have formed since the ice disappeared (screes, landslides, river terraces and floodplains) alongside landscape changes still happening today. Suitable for all who are
FULLY BOOKED: VISITING LAKELAND GARDENS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomJoin expert horticulturalist Louise on an intimate tour of Lake District gardens, including some not normally open to the public. Meet the gardeners, discover new plants and garden design inspiration behind the gates, walls and clipped hedges of some hidden horticultural gems of the Lake District. Residential £430 Non-residential £310 Includes field trips.
NATURE JOURNALLING
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomNature journals can be an ideal way to connect more closely with nature. It has proven benefits to our wellbeing, and is a fun way to add value to even the shortest walk. Explore the different ways to record your finds, and leave with a plan and the beginning of your own journal. Ideal for
INTRODUCTION TO BRYOPHYTES (MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS)
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomAn introductory course in which we will look at identifying some of the most common bryophytes. We will look at the main features that help with identification, collect some species from the grounds and practise using a key. We will use hand lenses and microscopes to appreciate the details of these tiny plants and get
FULLY BOOKED: MUSHROOMS, TOADSTOOLS AND OTHER FUNGI
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomOur seasonal opportunity to develop fungi identification skills with a renowned expert. Minibus field trips: easy, but off-path walking. Collect and observe fungi in various habitats, examine finds, accurately identify with a range of keys for identification to both genus and species. For anyone interested in fungi, seasoned or unseasoned, with a wish to learn.
GEOLOGY WITH ANNETTE MCGRATH: ROCKS, MINERALS, FOSSILS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomA thorough introduction to rocks, minerals and fossils through illustrated talks and hands-on practical sessions. You will have the opportunity to examine a museum-quality geological collection from around the world and scrutinise the inner secrets of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks down the microscope. A large selection of geological specimens, geological maps and books will
FULLY BOOKED: WINTER BIRDS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomImagine spectacular gatherings of barnacle and pink-footed geese against a backdrop of a winter sunset and the massed pipings of thousands of waders as they swirl in the sky. Our Solway and Cumbrian coast is wintering ground for many species prior to their northward migration, hosting an exciting array of raptors. Hone your identification skills!