FAMILY COURSES INSIDE

2

2 Welcome and contents

3 What makes FSC family holiday courses so special?

4-5 Our centres

6 Choosing a course

T he FSC is an environmentaleducation charity

committed to helping peopleexplore, understand and beinspired by the natural world.Each year over 100,000 people‘experience’ the FSC throughvisits to our network of 17centres. Whether a child onone of our family holiday

courses, a young person on aschool trip, an adult on a natural history course

or a teacher or environmental professional on a careerdevelopment course, the FSC welcomes people of all ages andis committed to lifetime learning.

Family Holiday Courses 2010

Every year the FSC welcomes hundreds of families on its

family holiday courses to experience stunning scenery,

fantastic wildlife and exciting activities. They are a great way

for the family to enjoy spending quality time together away

from the hustle and bustle of busy everyday life.

Courses are listed by location starting on page 7.

Also available from the FSC: • Natural History courses 2010

• Arts courses 2010

If you would like to find out more about

our Natural History courses or our

Arts courses you can request a

brochure from FSC Head Office on

0845 345 4071 or visit our website

www.field-studies-council.org

bringing environmental understanding to all

FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL (FSC)

CONTENTS

FSC Family Holiday Courses

7 ££ Scottish Highlands

8 ££ The Lake District

9 ££ Snowdonia

10 ££ Shropshire

11 ££ Suffolk

12 ££ Pembrokeshire Coast

13 ££ West Glamorgan

14 ££ The North Downs

15 ££ South Devon and Exmoor

Additional Information

16 Frequently asked questions

17-19 Booking information

Time together

Learning together

We are pleased that all our family holidaycourses for families and unaccompaniedyoung people form part of the RSPB’sprogramme for family members and

Wildlife Explorers. To find out more about the RSPB visitthe website www.rspb.org.uk/youth

3www.field-studies-council.org/family

WHAT MAKES FSCfamily holiday courses so special?

££ Stunning locations

FSC family holiday courses are based at FSC field centres

throughout the UK, picked for their diverse flora and fauna

ranging from the majestic Scottish Highlands to the beautiful

South Devon coast.

££ Fun and educational

FSC family holiday courses are filled with fun activities for all

the family to enjoy but they also draw upon our 65 year

history of providing environmental education. All our family

courses are carefully structured to stimulate enquiring minds

of all ages in a fun and memorable way.

££ Sharing activities

FSC family holiday courses not only allow the whole family to

get away but the activities on each course are designed for the

whole family to take part in . . . so families can enjoy actually

spending time, participating, talking and learning together.

££ Healthy holiday

All FSC family holiday courses encourage participants to

explore the great outdoors. Participants get outside in the

fresh air, exercise and keep the mind active by learning all

about the natural world.

££ Suitable for a range of ages

Each family holiday course has been given a recommended

minimum age to ensure the activities that your family

undertake whilst at an FSC centre are both suitable and

enjoyable. Some centres run courses at the same times for

differing ages to ensure all your family needs are catered for.

££ Meet similar families

FSC family holiday courses allow you to spend time getting to

know other families with similar interests. It’s a great way for

your children to make new friends and many of the families

that have been on an FSC course meet year after year at

different centres.

££ Environmentallyresponsible

As all of our centres are

based in the UK there is

no need to get on a

plane and travel

abroad - one way to

reduce the carbon

footprint of your family!

Each centre not only helps people

learn about the environment but is also run

in an environmentally sensitive manner; we

have set ourselves challenging targets

for our use of energy, water and waste.

££ Our staff

Every FSC centre has a qualified team of highly trained and

CRB checked staff working at the centre full-time, all year

round. All our staff have a passion for the outdoors and the

thing that really motivates them is the opportunity to share in

the fun and enjoyment of being in some of the UK’s most

spectacular places.

££ Health and safety

The FSC know that ‘having fun’ and ‘feeling safe’ go hand-in-

hand and throughout our 65 years of experience the health

and safety of our visitors has always been of prime

importance. The FSC has very clear, rigorous procedures for

ensuring the safety and care of all of our visitors.

All centres which provide adventurous activitiesare licensed by the Adventure ActivitiesLicensing Service and all activity sites andbuildings are regularly risk assessed. The FSCrun a 24 hour duty care system with firstaiders available 24 hours a day.

Sharing activities

Healthy holiday

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FSC family holiday coursesare offered at our field

centres throughout the UK. Eachcentre is set in a stunninglocation that you will love toexplore and has its own uniquecharacter. Most are historicbuildings, adapted and extendedto offer services that visitorsneed.

Each centre has recreation areas

including cosy bars, lounges,

games rooms and large gardens

where you can relax and

unwind after a full day of

exciting activities.

All you need to do is pick the

location and course that is

perfect for your family!

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OUR CENTRES

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDSKindrogan Field CentreTel: 01250 870150Email: [email protected]

Situated in wooded grounds on the banks

of the River Ardle near to the

Cairngorms National Park

THE LAKE DISTRICTBlencathra Field CentreTel: 017687 79601Email: [email protected]

Occupies a dramatic setting on the slope

of Blencathra with access to some of the

most spectacular scenery in the UK

WEST GLAMORGANMargam Field CentreTel: 01639 895636Email: [email protected]

Newly developed Centre, Set in the 850

acres of beautiful parkland of Margam

Park where 600 deer roam freely

SNOWDONIARhyd-y-creuau Field CentreTel: 01690 710494Email: [email protected]

Stone Georgian house set in two hectares

of wooded grounds nestled

in the mountains of Snowdonia


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SHROPSHIREPreston Montford Field CentreTel: 0845 330 7378Email: [email protected]

Delightful Queen Anne country house

by the River Severn to the west of

Shrewsbury

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTDale Fort Field CentreTel: 0845 3307365Email: [email protected]

Set in the Pembrokeshire Coast National

Park, this centre boasts spectacular

views over the sea

Orielton Field CentreTel: 0845 330 7372Email: [email protected]

Georgian mansion set in 48 acres of

wooded grounds close to the

Pembrokeshire coast

EXMOORNettlecombe Court Field CentreTel: 01984 640320Email: [email protected]

Striking Tudor and Georgian mansion

located in a secluded valley at the

eastern edge of Exmoor National Park

SUFFOLKFlatford Mill Field CentreTel: 0845 330 7368Email: [email protected]

Lies on the banks of the River Stour.

The centre buildings feature in many

paintings by John Constable

THE NORTH DOWNSJuniper Hall Field CentreTel: 0845 458 3507Email: [email protected]

Situated in a wooded valley of the

Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty and within easy reach of

London

SOUTH DEVONSlapton Ley Field CentreTel: 01548 580466Email: [email protected]

Overlooking the National Nature

Reserve and beautiful coastline. A short

drive from Dartmoor National Park.

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AGE RANGESEach holiday has been given a minimum age requirement, based on our experience of providing family holiday courses, to ensureall the activities are both suitable and enjoyable for every family member.

Course Title Centre Course Description Activities Details

DFFamily Fossil Hunt

Experience the thrill of fossil hunting in

coastal Pembrokeshire and compare ancient

organisms to what’s living there now.

• Fossil hunting

• Walking

• Rockpooling

Dates: 22 Jul-26 Jul

Activity Rating:Age Range: 8-12

Adult Fee: £164

Child Fee: £131

CHOOSING A COURSE

Wildlife and Discovery

NO TIME?Want to spend some time with the family but can’t get away for a weekend? Our centres at Epping Forest andAmersham have a programme of day activities, including bat walks, mammal tracking and woodland safaris availableduring school holidays. Visit our website to find out more www.field-studies-council.org/family

TYPES OF COURSESThe FSC offers four different types of family holiday course: Wildlife and Discovery; Creative Family; Active Family andcourses for Young People. Each course type is colour coded throughout the brochure to help you decide which course is perfectfor your family.

ACTIVITY LEVELSEvery FSC family holiday course has been given an activity rating to indicate the level of physical effort/fitness required.

Activity sites may be a short walk away

Longer walks combined with light activities

Course will involve strenuous activities and will require a reasonable level of fitness.

A wonderful opportunity for all the members of the family to

enjoy sharing activities and learn more about the natural

world.

Unleash the budding artist and express yourself through art,

sculpture and the written word using the environment as

inspiration.

Go wild and try out new adventurous activities whilst learning

more about the environment, all in the safe hands of our qualified

staff.

A chance for older children to get away on their own and make new

friends, try out new activities and have lots of fun! Many of our

courses are suitable for Duke of Edinburgh and John Muir Awards.

Creative Family Young People

Active Family

Wildlife and Discovery Creative Family Active Family Young People

Minibeast hunt

Wildlife discovery

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Amazing vistas of the Cairngorm mountains, exhilarating space and peaceful countrysideall await you on a family holiday course in the majestic Scottish Highlands. FSC Kindrogan,

set in the heart of Highland Perthshire, is ideally situated to give you and your family a real taste of Highland adventureand hospitality.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS


Wildlife Explorers

HighlandAdventure

Explore the amazing and diverse wildlife in

the last undisturbed wilderness in the UK,

the Highlands of Scotland. Fee includes

entrance to attractions.

Mountains, glens, rivers and lochs make

Scotland one of the best places for adventure

- you will be a member of Team Kindrogan

competing in our local Highland games.

Kilts optional!

• Osprey Hide

• Mammal Trapping

• Bat/Otter/Pine

Marten Watching

• Highland Wildlife

Park

• Mountain

Walking

• High Ropes

• Low Ropes

• Teambuilding

• White-water

Rafting

• Wildlife Watching

Dates: 21 Aug-28 Aug

Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 9-14

Adult Fee: £278

Child Fee: £215


Activity Rating: ***

Age Range: 9-14

Adult Fee: £378

Child Fee: £283

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Otter watching

Rafting

8 Wildlife and Discovery Creative Family Active Family Young People


Bushcraft forFamilies

Go Wild in theLake District

SummerAdventure in theLake District

Family MountainBiking forBeginners

There are not many occasions when you

would encourage young people to build fires

or eat wild plants but that is exactly what

they will do on this bushcraft course. You

will get the chance to learn new skills, see

the edible plants in their natural habitat,

build your own shelter and have all the fun

and adventure that go with wilderness

bushcraft.

A fun course combining the inspirational

John Muir Award with adventure activities

and exploration of some of the most

beautiful areas in the Lake District.

This course aims to combine a mixture of

bushcraft skills and adventure activities in

one of the most beautiful areas of the Lake

District. The course is designed to be fun

and safe and to encourage young people

back into nature to reap the benefits of the

outdoors.

What better way to get the kids into the

great outdoors than seeing the Lake District

on two wheels. Wonderfully healthy and

great fun. Enjoy full days out, taking in the

spectacular scenery as you ride along the

open trails of the Lake District.

• Shelter Building

• Campfires

• Producing Fish

Hooks

• Eating Wild Food

• Making String

from Nettles

• Survival Skills

• Hammock

Making

• Hill Walking

• Problem Solving

• Conservation

Tasks

• Pond Dipping

• Survival Skills

• Canoeing

• Mammal Trapping

• Ghyll Scrambling

• Hill Walking

• Survival Skills


• Eating Wild Food

• Ghyll Scrambling

• Canoeing

• Cave Visit

• Orienteering

• Hammock

Making

• Mountain Biking

(mixed terrains)


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £210

Child Fee: £135



Age Range: 9-15

Adult Fee: £284

Child Fee: £209



Age Range: 9-15

Adult Fee: £378

Child Fee: £283



Age Range: 10-15

Adult Fee: £284

Child Fee: £209

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THE LAKE DISTRICT

Enjoy the spectacular surrounds of the Lake District,from its crystal clear lakes to its towering peaks, on a family holiday course at

FSC Blencathra. The Centre occupies a dramatic setting at 300m on a south-facing slope of Blencathra mountain and offers anunparalleled panorama of the Lake District mountains.

Mountain biking

Shelter building


SNOWDONIA


Snowdonia's glaciated valleys, cascading rivers and wooded hillsides,full of myths and legends, provide a rugged backdrop for wildlife discovery and adventure activities for all the family to

enjoy. Located just outside Betwys-y-coed, the 'gateway' to Snowdonia National Park, FSC Rhyd-y-creuau's family holidaysexplore this dramatic Welsh landscape.

AdventurousActivities inWild Wales

Family WildlifeDiscovery

DiscoverSnowdonia

A mix of adventurous activities and wildlife

discovery, designed to enthuse the whole

family with the great outdoors. Climb in the

mountains, build shelters, scramble up a

gorge and share your experiences around the

campfire. A great way for the whole family

to see the wild side of Snowdonia.

Splash about in streams, wander through

woodlands and poke about in rock pools to

discover the fantastic variety of life which

thrives in this Welsh National Park. From

bugs to birds, all the family will be amazed

at what’s out there!

An opportunity to make new friends,

develop your skills and gain a deeper

understanding of Snowdonia National

Park...and yourself! The course will provide

a range of challenges to develop skills in

expedition planning, navigation and

teamwork as well as meeting the

requirements for DofE gold residential.

• Mountain

Climbing

• Gorge Scrambling

• Bushcraft

• Campfires

• Rock Pooling

• Woodland

Exploration

• Minibeast

Hunts

• Pond Dipping

• Climbing

• Abseiling

• Mountain

Navigation


• Overnight

Expedition

• Conservation

Challenge

Dates: 03 Apr-09 Apr

31 Jul-06 Aug


Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £299

Child Fee: £199


31 Jul-06 Aug

14 Aug-20 Aug

Activity Rating: *Age Range: 5+

Adult Fee: £195

Child Fee: £165


08 Aug-13 Aug


Age Range: 16-18

Fee: £245

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Climbing

Rock pooling


SHROPSHIRE


ShropshireWildlife Safari

Join us on safari to discover the world of

minibeasts, mammals and everything in

between. Habitats to be explored will

include a reclaimed limestone quarry, ponds,

streams, grassland and woodland in our

mission to see secret Shropshire’s ‘big (and

small) game’.

• Small Mammal

Trapping

• Pond and Stream

Dipping

• Moth Trapping

• Badger Watching

Dates: 31 May-04 Jun

02 Aug-06 Aug

23 Aug-27 Aug

Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 7-14

Adult Fee: £170

Child Fee: £135

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Badger watching

From the flatlands of the north plain to the majestic hillsin the south, Shropshire is one of England's most beautiful and sparsely populated counties. A family holiday course here,

based at FSC Preston Montford, offers ample opportunities to explore the beautiful Shropshire countryside and discover moreabout its wild inhabitants.

Wildlife safari

Over the years many people of all ages and abilities havebenefitted from FSC courses, often learning as much

about themselves as about the environment which they havecome to explore.

Unfortunately, there have always been some young people

who have never had that opportunity because they have

been disadvantaged in some way.

FSC Kids Fund provides financial support for groups of

disadvantaged young people who would like to visit one of

our Centres.

By becoming a an FSC member you can help even more

children have life changing experiences on an FSC Kids

Fund course.

For more information, visit www.field-studies-council.org/supporters

HELP US REACH MORE PEOPLE


D iscover the rich mosaic of lowland landscapes in the Dedham Vale, so picturesque that it hasprovided inspiration for many painters, the most famous being John Constable. Find out more about and be inspired by

the wildlife found in the countryside around FSC Flatford Mill on a family holiday course.

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SUFFOLK


WatchingWildlife withNick Baker

Watching andPaintingWildlife forFamilies

WatchingWildlife forFamilies

An exciting holiday course for families

wishing to explore the countryside around

Flatford Mill with TV naturalist Nick Baker.

Look for the summer day time and night

time high flyers such as birds and bats,

dragonflies and damselflies, butterflies and

moths and other animals too.

An exciting short summer holiday course for

families who would like to combine an

interest in watching wildlife with drawing

and painting. You will be shown how to

observe wildlife closely, record the details in

a sketchbook and then turn these ideas into

finished paintings, using watercolour and

other media.

Need help with some wild ideas for the

summer holidays? This exciting long

weekend for families helps you discover the

wide variety of Suffolk wildlife combined

with activities to keep the whole family

entertained.

• Bird Watching

• Moth Trapping

• Butterfly Spotting

• Bat Watching

• Visit to the RSPB

Reserve at

Minsmere

• Observing

Wildlife

• Drawing and

Sketching

• Watercolour

Painting

• Visit to RSPB

Reserve at

Minsmere

• Bird Watching

• Butterfly Spotting

• Pond Dipping

• Moth Trapping

• Night Walk


13 Aug-16 Aug

Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 9-14

Adult Fee: £220

Child Fee: £180


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 10-14

Adult Fee: £190

Child Fee: £145


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 9-14

Adult Fee: £150

Child Fee: £115

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Bird watching

Butterfly spotting


PEMBROKESHIRE COAST


SeashoreAdventures

Family Fossil Hunt

Family Fun Week

Bugs Beasts and Birds

Family HolidayArts and Crafts

Family SnorkellingSafari

This holiday course offers days packed with

exploration and discovery to provide

enjoyment for all the family. Hunt for

treasure on rocky seashores, seine net for fish

and crabs and if the weather permits, sample

plankton on the Centre’s powerboat.

This course will introduce families to the joys

of fossiking (fossil hunting), in an array of

beautiful coastal locations in Pembrokeshire.

Comparisons of these petrified marine

organisms will also be made with the marine

life found on our own ‘modern’ shores.

Have fun investigating the world around

you in the spectacular Pembrokeshire

countryside. Outdoor visits and a boat trip

around Skomer Island will be followed by a

variety of games and craft activities so there

is plenty to do whatever the weather.

The ideal holiday course for families wishing

to enjoy many wildlife activities. Come and

see the puffins on Skomer Island, net for fish

and crabs, and learn about the creatures on

the seashore.

Develop your awareness and response to the

seashore, woodland and countryside by

creating sculptures and site specific

installations, utilising natural materials such

as clay, willow and paper.

Adventure and excitement both above and

below the water! Watch out for the huge

spider crabs and learn about the rich variety

of species found in the surrounding waters

of the Marine Nature Reserve. Must be

confident of swimming in the sea and

capable of swimming 50m.

• Rock Pooling

• Pond Dipping

• Crabbing

• Beachcombing

• Seal Spotting

• Fossil Hunting

• Walking

• Rock Pooling

• Mammal Trapping

• Rock Pooling

• Woodland Trail


• Pond Dipping

• Bat Detecting


• Rock Pooling

• Plankton Trawling

• Crabbing

• Walking

• Clay Pot Making

• Sand Sculpture

• Paper Making

• Willow Lanterns

• Driftwood Art

• Snorkelling

• Rock Pooling

• Beach picnics

Dates: 31 Mar-04 Apr

24 Aug-28 Aug

Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 8-12

Adult Fee: £170

Child Fee: £135


Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 8-10

Adult Fee: £170

Child Fee: £135


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 5-10

Adult Fee: £170

Child Fee: £135

Dates: 31 Jul-04 Aug

Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 8-10

Adult Fee: £170

Child Fee: £135


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £190

Child Fee: £145



Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £195

Child Fee: £155

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Boat trip

Explore the beautiful beaches, golden sand dunes and volcanic headlands of thePembrokeshire coast on a family holiday course at FSC Dale Fort or FSC Orielton. Enjoy days of exploration and

discovery to find out more about the wildlife that live in the spectacular Pembrokeshire countryside.

Snorkelling


WEST GLAMORGAN


Art in Nature

Family WildlifeAdventure

WildlifeExplorer’s Week

This course offers families the opportunity to

experience together the stunning natural

beauty of Margam Park as inspiration for

creating artwork. Explore a variety of

painting techniques and, weather permitting,

work directly outside in nature. At the end

of the course each family will have a piece of

artwork to treasure and keep.

This holiday course mixes fun, adventure

and wildlife discovery in the beautiful and

diverse surrounds of Margam Country Park

and the south Wales landscape.

Discover the wealth of Welsh wildlife which

thrives within the stunning surroundings of

Margam Park. From bats to beetles, deer to

damselflies and much more, our enthusiastic

tutors will help you find, identify and

explore the lives of creatures great and small.

• Watercolour

Painting

• Acrylics

• Collage


• High Ropes

• Waterfall Walks

• Campfires

• Storytelling

• Hill Walking

• Small Mammal

Trapping

• Rock Pooling

• Minibeast Hunts

• Woodland Trail


• Pond Dipping

• Bat Detecting


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 7+

Adult Fee: £215

Child Fee: £195



Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £312

Child Fee: £230


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 5+

Adult Fee: £182

Child Fee: £156

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Minibeast hunts

Deer

Explore the beautiful landscape of West Glamorgan and learn more about its wild inhabitants on a family course at FSCMargam. Set in 850 acres of beautiful parkland where 600 deer roam freely, this newly developed Centre, situated close to

Margam Castle, was designed by the Welsh School of Architecture and incorporates many features to reduce its environmentalfootprint, providing the perfect environment for any family who are mad about the outdoors.



Minibeasts, Mice and the Mole

Wild Arts andCrafts

Going Wild in the North Downs

The Mole Valley provides many superb and

diverse wildlife habitats. Discover the

amazing animals that live under our noses.

A crafty weekend with your family to bring

out the artist in you.

Late summer in the North Downs is a perfect

time to see the downlands in all their glory;

meadows of wild flowers, shaded

woodlands and peaceful rivers.

• River Dipping

• Minibeast Hunts

• Small Mammal

Trapping

• Walking

• Paper Making

• Wild Collages

• Poetry

• Mini Raft

Building

• Kite Making

• Walking

• Painting

• Stream dipping

• Small Mammal

Trapping

• Walking

• Woodland

discovery


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 4-7

Adult Fee: £103

Child Fee: £80

Dates: 04 Jun-06 Jun

Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 8-11

Adult Fee: £103

Child Fee: £80


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 4-7

Adult Fee: £103

Child Fee: £80

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THE NORTH DOWNS

Small mammals

The North Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting chalkdownland, lowland heath, woodlands, ponds, streams and parks where the whole family can enjoy exploring and learning

about the wild inhabitants of this beautiful area.

Poppies



FamilyExploration,Walks, Wildlifeand Activities inWest Somersetand Exmoor

FamilyNaturalists:DiscoveringDevon’s Wildlife

WatchingWildlife withNick Baker

Beside the Sea: a Family NaturalHistory Course

Back to NatureWeekend

Sand, Sea andSurf

An active week exploring rivers, woodlands,

rocky shores and moorland in west Somerset

and Exmoor to bring you closer to wildlife

and to give you views to take your breath

away.

This course is for families seeking a shared

opportunity to discover more about the

varied aspects of natural history. Visit a

wonderful variety of habitats including the

tors and woods of Dartmoor, mudflats of the

Kingsbridge Estuary and coast with coves

and rock pools.

Sugar a moth, tickle a spider and feed a bat

with TV naturalist Nick Baker, designed to

be a great introduction to wildlife watching

in general.

Explore a fantastic mixture of coastal and

woodland habitats rich with wildlife,

colourful stories and legends on this exciting

week for families.

Explore nature within the wild woods and

coastline of Slapton Ley National Nature

Reserve. Campfires on the beach provide a

chance to enjoy local food and share stories

from the day’s adventures.

Explore the scenery and wildlife of the south

Devon coast. Learn about wildlife, rock

pooling and river dipping and explore the

dunes. Have a go at kayaking, coasteering

(leaping from cliffs into the sea) and body

boarding. Relax in the evening around beach

fires and wildlife watching.

• Lyn Valley

• Dunster Castle

• Dunkery Beacon

• Rocky Shore

• Pond Dipping

• Minibeast Hunts


• Rock Pooling

• Walking

• Stories and Poems

• Bird Watching

• Moth Trapping

• Pond Dipping

• Bat Detecting

• Rock Pooling

• River Dipping

• Minibeast Hunts

• Kite Making

• Badger/Bat

Watching


• Campfires

• Storytelling

• Kayaking

• Coasteering

• Bodyboarding


• Badger/Bat

Watching


Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £170

Child Fee: £135


Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £265

Child Fee: £205


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 9-14

Adult Fee: £270

Child Fee: £235


Activity Rating: **

Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £265

Child Fee: £205


Activity Rating: *

Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £150

Child Fee: £115



Age Range: 8+

Adult Fee: £345

Child Fee: £255

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V isit FSC Slapton Ley, a stones throw from the unspoilt and picturesque coastline of South Devon or

alternatively, stay at FSC Nettlecombe in neighbouring county Somerset. Located on the edge of Exmoor, it is an ideal

gateway to moorland, wooded valleys and a diverse selection of wildlife, including the Exmoor pony.

Coasteering

Campfires

SOUTH DEVON & EXMOOR

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££ What are FSC centres like?

Each centre has its own unique character; most are historic

buildings which have been adapted and extended to provide

the services that visitors need. We would however stress they

are field centres and therefore do not always offer the full

range of services/facilities associated with hotel

accommodation.

££ What is the accommodation like?

All centres provide simple, comfortable accommodation

mostly in a mix of twin and family rooms. Most bedrooms

have wash hand basins, with toilet and shower facilities close

by.

££ What does the fee include?

FSC family holiday courses offer great value for money. The

course fee includes all meals, accommodation and transport

during the course and above all, the interesting and fun

programme of activities run by our professional, enthusiastic

staff.

££ What is the food like?

FSC centres offer a range of wholesome food all prepared and

cooked on-site. All meals are included in the course fee –

breakfast, packed lunch and hot evening meal are provided

and special diets can be catered for if the centre is notified in

advance.

££ Are these courses suitable for my family?

FSC family holiday courses are for families who want to

spend time together to enjoy sharing activities, further their

interest in the natural world and meet new people. All

courses have heaps of different activities to inform and inspire

people of all ages about the world that surrounds us. We are

happy to extend our definition of family members to include

close friends.

££ How fit do I need to be?

Each family holiday course requires a reasonable amount of

fitness but the exact level will depend on the type of course

you have booked. Each course has been given an activity

rating detailing the level of physical effort required during

your stay.

££ How do I book?

Once you know which family holiday course you would like

to attend, call the centre of your choice (see contact details on

back cover) or visit www.field-studies-council/family to

make a provisional booking. You will then be asked to

complete the booking form on page 17 and return it the

centre.

Office hours are 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday but you can leavea message on the centre answerphone or email (see contact detailsback cover).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Family fun


PAYMENT

A booking deposit is required of 20% of the quoted fee. If less than6 weeks before start of course, please send full course fee.

Booking deposits(s)OR @ £ £

Full course fee(s)

Total enclosed £

Cheques should be made payable to Field Studies Council.

Please charge my Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ Delta ❏ Switch (issue no.) ❏

Card no.

Start date Expiry date

FSC Courses Booking Form

For Centre Use Only

Please send this form to the relevant Field Centre.Use a separate form for each Centre to which you wish to apply. You should make a provisional booking by contacting the Centre concerned.

Further forms can be obtained from FSC Head Office and FSC Centres or a photocopy can be used.

Course(s) for which you are applying:Name of Field Centre Course Title Dates

12345678

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSI shall be travelling by: Car ❏ Train ❏ Coach ❏ Other

I am willing to use my car on field trips during the course (I understand the cost of petrol will be refunded) Yes ❏ No ❏

Until this deposit is paid the booking is treated as provisional and there is nocertainty that a place can be held. The deposit is automatically forfeit if thebooking is cancelled for any reason. If cancellation is made less than 28 daysbefore the commencement of the course, the balance of the fee is payable infull, a condition which is accepted when the booking is confirmed.

Signed:

FUTURE MAILINGS To help us send you relevant information please indicate which course brochure you would like to receive in 2011.

❏ FSC Family Holiday Courses ❏ FSC Arts Courses ❏ FSC Natural History Courses

No. People Per Person Total

No. Title First name Surname Age m/f FSC Membership No. (if applicable)

Postcode

Address for correspondence

Tel (home) Tel (daytime) email

Please send FSC Membership details ❏

OTHER REQUIREMENTSIf you require special meals for medical or ethical reasons pleaseindicate the type of diet

If you have a medical condition, physical or sensory impairmentwhich is relevant to the course please attach a note givingdetails, which will be treated in confidence.

Are you happy to be contacted by email Yes ❏ No ❏

How did our courses come to your attention?From a friend ❏ Advertisement* ❏ Magazine article* ❏ Other ❏ *please specify...............................................................................

F

18

Centre Booking Informationand Conditions

1. Booking

Please make provisional bookings by telephoning, faxing or emailingthe Centre of your choice (see back cover for contact numbers andemail addresses). Provisional bookings can also be made via the FSCwebsite www.field-studies-council.org/family. If the course is fulland we are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, we will enteryour name on a waiting list and inform you if a place becomesavailable. Until the deposit is paid the booking is treated asprovisional. Provisional bookings will be held for 7 days.

If you are making a booking on behalf of another person pleaseensure that they are aware of booking, cancellation and depositconditions.

Please complete the booking form enclosed with this brochure andreturn with the deposit to the Centre in order to confirm yourbooking.

2. Deposits

• A deposit of 20% of the quoted fee is required to confirm course bookings at a residential Centre.

• Full payment is due on bookings made less than 6 weeks before commencement of the course.

• The deposit paid in respect of each course is accepted as a first instalment of the charge and is not refundable.

• If a booking cannot be accepted, notification and refund of any deposit will be sent as soon as possible.

Cheques should be made payable to ‘Field Studies Council’.Soon after receiving your booking form and deposit, we will sendyou a receipt and further details – please check these carefully.

3. Balance of Fees

An invoice for the balance of fees and final joining instructions will besent to you at least 5 weeks before commencement of the course. Thebalance of payment is due at the latest 28 days before the start of yourcourse. If payment is not received at this time, FSC reserves the rightto cancel your reservation, in which case normal cancellation termswill apply. If you anticipate a delay in making your final payment,please inform the Centre.

4. Guests from Overseas

The balance due date for guests paying from overseas is 28 daysbefore the start of your course. Guests from overseas should pay onlyin STERLING by one of the following methods:

a. By credit card – we accept most Visa, Mastercard and Switch cards.

b. By STERLING draft from your bank which should be sent direct to us. Do not send drafts direct to our bank as they may arrive without a name, making them impossible to identify.

c. Direct to our Giro account: number 556 2252.

d. By Eurocheque.

PLEASE NOTE: 1. In each case please include information about the Centre and

course dates booked. 2. For method ‘d’ a surcharge of up to £15 may be made at

the Centre to cover bank transfer charges. 3. Please do not pay in a foreign currency by personal cheque as this

can result in delay and additional expense.

5. Accommodation

All centres provide simple, comfortable accommodation mostly in amix of twin and family rooms. Most bedrooms have wash handbasins, with toilet and shower facilities close by.

Your contract will be with Field Studies Council (hereinafter referred to as FSC).

6. Transfer

If, after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to transfer to adifferent course or you wish to transfer your confirmed booking toanother named person who satisfies all the conditions of booking, wewill make every effort to meet your requirements. Alterations madeby you less than 28 days before course commencement will be treatedas a cancellation of the original course booking and regarded as a newbooking for a different course. Cancellation charges as in paragraph7 may apply.

7. Cancellation

If it is necessary for you to cancel your booking, please inform theCentre in writing as soon as possible. Cancellation is effective fromthe date your letter is received at our offices and may be subject tocancellation charges as follows: - The deposit is automatically forfeit if the booking is cancelled by thecustomer for any reason. - If cancellation is made less than 28 days before the start of thecourse, whether deliberately or by default, the balance of fees must bepaid in full, a condition which is accepted when the booking isconfirmed.

8. Other Changes

Anyone enrolling for a course will be invoiced for the full fee. Noreductions can be made in respect of late arrival, early departure orabsence during any part of the course.

9. Acceptance of Bookings

FSC reserves the right to refuse to accept any booking without statinga reason.

Travel and Cancellation Insurance The FSC has negotiated a blanket insurance policy with a leadinginsurer which offers reasonably comprehensive cover in respect ofboth cancellation and personal belongings, and also includespersonal accident, legal liability and medical emergency/emergencytravel expenses cover. This cover is automatically provided to alleligible FSC course participants at no extra cost and details will besent to you when you book your first FSC course.

If you are unsure whether you are covered, or would like to arrangeincreased cover, do not hesitate to ask for advice from the Centre.

19

Consumer ProtectionAll courses in this brochure are protected through our membershipof the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Ltd (ABTOT,member number 5049). ABTOT is an Association approved by theDepartment of Trade and Industry.

The FSC has provided a bond to ABTOT which meets therequirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays andPackage Tours Regulations 1992. Consequently, anyonebooking an FSC course featured in this brochure can do sowith complete financial security.

Amendments The course programme is subject to amendment. FSC reserves theright to alter course programmes or engage alternative tutors if andas circumstances dictate. FSC cancels a course only after carefulconsideration, but reserves the right to do so if numbers booked havefailed to meet a minimum requirement or for other exceptionalreasons. In this event, applicants will be informed as soon as possible.They will be refunded any monies paid in respect of that course. FSCwill not be liable for any additional cost or expense.

All fees were correct at the time of printing. They may be variedshould circumstances outside the control of FSC make this necessary.Any increase in charges will not take place within the 28 days priorto the start of the course.

Late Availability Call any FSC Centre direct for information on late availability. We willbe happy to check what vacancies are available and process yourbooking as quickly as possible.

Travel Centres will normally make arrangements for a Centre minibus or ataxi service to meet particular trains at the beginning of courses ifrequested. Times and charge (if any) will be specified in the joininginstructions. For those travelling by car, full locational details will beforwarded well in advance. We encourage car sharing and will putyou in touch with like-minded people wherever possible.

Departure Rooms must be vacated by 09.30 on the day of departure, unlessspecial arrangements are made with the Centre.

Special Diets All FSC Centres provide vegetarian options, and special dietaryrequirements on request. Please indicate on your booking form if youhave vegetarian or special dietary requirements. Centres, wherepossible, will make all the necessary arrangements.

Guests with Disabilities FSC welcomes disabled guests provided they can manageindependently or are accompanied by a friend or relative on the samecourse, able to assist them. Please check with each Centre on thesuitability of a course before booking and indicate your disability onthe booking form. FSC Centres at Blencathra, Juniper Hall, MalhamTarn and Preston Montford have purpose-built accommodation andfacilities suitable for people with wheelchairs.

Physical Fitness Some courses are strenuous and a satisfactory state of health isessential. Please note anyone who has not disclosed a health problemwhich makes it impossible or inadvisable for them to take a full partin the programme, may be asked by the Head of Centre to leave. Anyfee refund in such a case will be at the sole discretion of the Head ofthe Centre concerned.

Complaints In the unlikely event of cause for complaint you must notify theHead of Centre during the course so that he or she may investigateand/or remedy the matter without delay. If the problem remainsunresolved and you wish to write to us at Head Office after thecourse then this must be done within 14 days of completion of thecourse. We will investigate the grievance and reply at the earliestopportunity.

Liability No responsibility can be accepted for any loss of or damage to guests’property or motor vehicles, or for injury or loss sustained whilsttravelling in such motor vehicles except where caused through theproven neglect of FSC. The safekeeping of guests’ property, includingmoney and valuables, must remain the responsibility of guests unlessitems are specifically handed to FSC Centre management for safecustody and a receipt obtained. Parents or Guardians undertake toaccept full responsibility for and supervision of their children at alltimes. FSC will not accept responsibility for any aspect of a course,including services and facilties offered by an external supplier, or forany loss, damage or expense of the guest which is due to adverseweather conditions, industrial dispute or any other cause beyond thecontrol of FSC.

Code of Conduct Guests booking with FSC should be prepared to abide by our code ofconduct with regard to safeguarding the natural environment andmust also agree to follow the safety instructions of our tutors at alltimes. It is important to recognise that, although tutors are chosen fortheir experience in leading field study courses and are able to offeradvice on safety procedures and conduct in the field, participantseach have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable precautions tomaintain their own safety and not to endanger other members of thegroup.

Our Service to You FSC endeavours at all times to offer and provide a quality service andwe will accept responsibility should our services prove deficient ornot of a reasonable standard. We have tried to ensure that thisbrochure has all the information you need to book the right course.Should you have any queries, or special requirements not coveredhere, please contact the Centres directly, where our staff will behappy to help. Any comments on this brochure will be mostwelcome, as will any suggestions for improvement. Please addressyour comments to

R Lucas, Chief Executive, Field Studies Council, Head Office, Preston Montford, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury SY4 1HW.

Other Information

Customer Satisfaction

Group Size Participant numbers will be suited to the particular course, but tomaximise your enjoyment we would normally expect to run a coursewith between 5 and 17 participants.

Clothing Most FSC courses spend time outdoors and involve some walking.For your own enjoyment, it is essential that your footwear andclothing are suitable. You will be advised on what to wear and bring.

Smoking FSC Centres are all non-smoking. Smoking is not permitted insideany of our buildings or in our minibuses.

Pets We regret we do not have facilities for pets and therefore cannotnormally accept them at our Centres or on courses. However, we areable to make special arrangements to accommodate guide dogs.

www.field-studies-council.org/family

FAMILY COURSES INSIDE

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