Our Environmental Encounters programme is a series of curriculum-linked, outdoor-based learning sessions covering science and geography topics. These sessions run throughout the summer term at Minet Country Park. Our sessions are practical allowing the class to explore the wide variety of habitats and wildlife within the country park, all just a short distance from local schools. Sessions focus on enhancing literacy skills, increasing awareness of science and nature, and design technology. Programming for 2010 includes "Going on a Bear Hunt", "Growing Plants", and "Shelter Building". What do teachers say? "It’s so special that they just realise that there are flowers out there; they're not watching TV or writing but just looking at what’s around them." - Mrs K. Mulji, North Primary School How about the students? “I have been to Minet Country Park before, but I have not been pond dipping or grass sweeping. My favourite part was pond dipping because I saw a little, little fish.” James Financially each session costs around £200 (costs of two people for half a day including preparation time) plus materials etc. Funding is sought for up to 25 sessions.