Skylark centre and nature reserve

The Skylark Centre lies at the heart of the widely-acclaimed Barlow Mound ash disposal scheme where a nature reserve has been established combining agricultural land, meadows and hedgerows with long established woodland to make a haven for over 100 species of wildlife. This provides a complete contrast to the industrial workings of the power station and is specially designed to help schoolchildren understand more about the natural habitat and ecology of the area.

Education visits are complemented by the Centre’s classroom and laboratory facilities where teachers and students can discuss and investigate the many aspects of nature seen on the tour. A large covered section connected to the Skylark Centre shelters solid picnic tables and functions as both an outdoor learning and lunch area.

Capturing children’s imagination

Barlow Mound and the nature reserve embrace a range of habitats including Drax Wild Flower Meadows, Fenton’s Pond and Bluebell Wood – the whole area provides the ideal setting to capture children’s imagination and develop their natural investigative skills. Exploring the reserve gives children first hand experience of identifying and comparing these different habitats and the living things that inhabit them.

Children also have an opportunity to learn about life processes and investigate the life cycle and pollination of flowering plants such as primroses, teasels and cowslips.

Plants, pond life and mini-beasts

At Fenton’s Pond schoolchildren use pond dipping nets and trays to explore an array of pond life after which they bring their discoveries back to the fully equipped laboratory within the Skylark Centre for closer examination with microscopes and hand lenses. Educational wall charts chronicle the history of the area through the ages, and diagrams and identification sheets explain a range of plants, pond life and mini-beasts.

Adjacent to the Skylark Centre children observe Berkshire pigs as they feast on abundantly growing Himalayan balsam. In and around the area you’re likely to spot roe deer, rabbits and squirrels while the birdlife include rooks, herons, sparrowhawks and chaffinches.

Energy trail and information

The nature trail and pond are a popular activity for schoolchildren and further support National Curriculum studies in wildlife and science. Around the western perimeter of the site the Energy Trail footpath runs alongside part of the Drax Power Station complex and information boards explain the role of the different structures to be seen. As well as being informative, this footpath leads to a peaceful picnic area where tables and benches are provided.

Support materials linking to QCA Schemes of Work and National Curriculum studies can be provided for teachers, these worksheets contain ideas for stimulation practical activities that allow children to experience hands on the diversity of the environment around them.