Education

Inspirational Environmental Education & School Trips in Somerset

At Carymoor Environmental Trust, we provide high quality, hands-on environmental education that inspires the next generation to care for our planet. Whether you join us on our unique 100-acre nature reserve or invite our experts into your classroom, we offer unforgettable educational experiences tailored to your students’ needs.

Why Choose Carymoor for Your School Trip?

With three decades of experience, we pride ourselves on being one of Somerset’s leading outdoor learning centres.

  • Proven Impact: We welcome over 100 schools and reach more than 3,000 children every year.
  • Expert Educators: Our schools sessions are delivered by a professional, enthusiastic education team dedicated to providing a safe and engaging learning environment.

  • Unique Setting: Explore a thriving nature reserve created on a transformed landfill site – a powerful living example of sustainability and habitat restoration.

  • Fully Accessible: We are committed to inclusive education and provide an all-terrain ‘Tramper’ electric wheelchair to ensure students with mobility issues can fully participate in the day.

  • We’re delighted to hold the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, a national mark of excellence for safe, high‑quality outdoor learning.

school children by ponds at carymoor

Our Educational Programs

Our programs are designed to meet National Curriculum objectives across all Key Stages.

1. On-Site School Trips

Immerse your students in our diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands and meadows for an unforgettable school trip.

  • Key Stage 1: Popular days include ‘Animal Superheroes’ and ‘Fairytale Days’ like Jack and the Beanstalk.

  • Key Stage 2: Highly rated sessions such as ‘Stone Age to Iron Age,’ ‘Wildlife Detectives (CSI),’ and ‘Survival Day’.

  • Secondary & Beyond: We offer bespoke transition days, Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award support, and professional INSET days for school staff.

2. Outreach: Bringing Carymoor to You

If you can’t visit us, our expert team can visit your school grounds with a variety of outreach education days.

3. Schools Against Waste (Somerset Primary Schools)

Currently funded by Somerset Council, we offer free half-day workshops for primary schools within the county to help students understand waste reduction and recycling first-hand.

iron age school trip at carymoor

Visit Us: Location & Practical Information

We aim to make the logistics of your school trip as stress-free as possible.

  • Convenient Location: Our centre is located at Dimmer Lane, Castle Cary, BA7 7NR and is easily accessible for schools across Somerset and the South West.

  • Ample Coach & Bus Parking: We have significant on-site parking specifically designed to accommodate multiple coaches and buses, with plenty of room for safe turning and drop-offs.

  • Safe Facilities: Our site features secure outdoor learning areas, accessible toilets and dedicated spaces for students to enjoy a ‘Waste-Free Lunch’.

carymoor educational centre main building

Ready to Book Your School’s Adventure?

Our school trips are highly popular and often fully booked during the summer months; we recommend booking early to secure your preferred date.

 

 

Feedback

  • In more than 20 years of teaching this was the best trip I have ever taken children on – educational, fun and inspirational!

    Lovington C of E Primary
  • I just had to email you to thank you all for such a truly fabulous day. The staff were friendly, enthusiastic and perfectly prepared for all the activities. The children learnt a huge amount and could not stop talking about it on the way home - 'best trip ever' was repeatedly heard!

    Chilthorne Domer Primary
  • The staff were friendly, enthusiastic and perfectly prepared for all the activities. Best trip ever!

    Bristol Grammar School
  • We have been coming to Carymoor for many years and they never disappoint. The staff are all incredibly friendly, accommodating and flexible. We have enjoyed a wide range of activities which are all carefully planned and resourced and, most importantly, loved by the children. Thank you Carymoor and we look forward to seeing you next year!

    All Hallows School
  • “…we had a fabulous time as always - a trip to Carymoor is always, without a doubt, the best school trip! If I could come every term I would!”