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Considering one of the many options for school residential trips to Snowdonia for your class this year? If the answer is yes then make sure you factor in a visit to Greenwood Forest Theme Park. A theme park it may be but this is an eco-friendly spot that places a huge emphasis on wildlife is a fantastic place to bring children on school residential trips. It combines lots of fun with a sense of responsibility; an insight into how building theme parks does not need to have a negative effect on the environment is key to this experience. Eco-Friendly Fun In the UK solar power may not be the main source of our electricity, but at Greenwood the 150kW solar array powers the new SolarSplash ride and contributes substantially to the park’s power requirement. SolarSplash is the first solar-powered ride in the UK and, with two 60m wave chutes, a 91m spiral tube chute and a 12m high tower as a starting point, this ride is no shrinking violet. Another innovation when it comes to eco-friendly fun is the Green Dragon Family Roller Coaster. Would you believe that people alone power this 20 person, five-car train ride? With a 360° loop taking you through the woods, this ride is one to be reckoned with. Outdoor Activities I don’t think I know any child who doesn’t love building dens; here in Greenwood Forest Theme Park the Den Building area is a real hit. With so many natural materials on hand, children can build shelters and dens in whatever way they see fit. Get them working together, thinking about the strength of the build and how the structure will stand up to the weather, for example – the scope is endless. Why not encourage your group to have a go at archery? They can shoot a traditional longbow just like Robin Hood once did (under supervision, of course). I love the Barefoot Trail that gets youngsters to kick off their shoes and socks and get down and dirty with nature. Walking through different terrain, they will have the chance to focus on nature and think about what they are experiencing from a sensory perspective. This innovative trail is one of a kind in Wales. Outdoor Play Children love a challenge and in the Crocodile Maze they will experience just that. In Britain’s only boardwalk maze your students can explore, lose themselves, test their problem solving skills and try not to bump into the crocodile on the way! Treetop Towers is another challenge that your group will relish. Up in the tree canopies there is the chance to explore a huge intertwining network of walkways, tube slides and timber towers. The great thing about this adventure play area is that there is only one way in and out so you can relax while the youngsters explore, knowing exactly where they all are. With so much on offer at this nature-inspired theme park, your school group will be in their element and you can rest assured that you are giving them an experience that has been created with sustainability and sound environmental practice in mind. When planning school residential trips to Snowdonia, why not get a specialist educational tour operator to do the organising for you? Take the stress out of the logistics, allowing you to concentrate on making the trip as inspiring and motivational as possible for your class. Author Plate John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in school residential trips for school and youth groups to the UK, Europe and beyond. As a father and avid traveller, John is very passionate about providing students with valuable and engaging learning experiences outside of the classroom. By sharing his expert advice with teachers, he allows them to inspire their students and bring their studies to life.
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