About the centre.
Blithfield Education Centre was opened on 15 May 1996 by the well respected television personality, and leading ornithologist, Bill Oddie. Visit the Education Centre Website
Blithfield Education Centre offers an ideal opportunity for people from all walks of life to learn more about water and environmental science in one of the most beautiful areas of Staffordshire. Located in a picturesque woodland setting adjacent to Blithfield Reservoir, the centre provides excellent facilities from which an abundant variety of habitats and species can be studied.
Peaceful and tranquil, the nearby Stansley Wood offers an idyllic environment in which to study.
Programmes of study are tailored to suit the many different needs of our growing family of visitors, ranging from a simple walk in the woods to learning about the strategic implications of sustainable development and biodiversity.
Facilities include:
- Centrally heated building
- Classrooms
- Toilets
- Facilities for the disabled
Features include:
- Site of Special Scientific Interest
- Ancient Semi-natural Woodland
- Blithfield Reservoir
- Nature Trails
- Bird Hides
- Pond
Topics covered include:
Finding out about Blithfield Reservoir:
- Its history, development and operation
- Erosion prevention
- Effects on the local environment
- Recreational activities
- Fish rearing
Learn about Water
- The water cycle
- Water treatment processes
- Water use and water conservation
- Water science
Learn about Woodland Habitats
- Investigate trees
- Make identification aids
- Hunt for mini-beasts and wildflowers
- Watch birds from the bird hide and classroom
- Follow nature trails to learn about the woods
- Look for adaptations to the woodland habitat
- Learn about classification
- Understand life cycles
- Identify food chains and food webs
Learn about Aquatic Mini-beasts
- Enjoy a spot of pond dipping
- Find out about pond dwellers
- Observe adaptations to the aquatic environment
- Examine life-cycles
- Identify aquatic food chains and food webs
Learn about wider Environmental Issues
- Find out about Environmental Management
- Understand Biodiversity and Sustainability