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Fourth level 4-01a Self-led information


The following information is for groups who intend to undertake activities without a countryside ranger present, either within the country park, school grounds (if suitable) or a local green space. Each activity has a general description together with an equipment list. The majority of the activities are duplicates of the countryside ranger led ones described earlier but more detail is provided on subjects and games. There are notes for teachers leading their own outdoor learning activities outwith school grounds in appendix 2 and an example risk assessment can be found in appendix 3. It is important to remember there will be additional hazards related to specific sites, groups and variables which will not be included in the example risk assessment. Make sure you carry out a full risk assessment before your trip. Blank risk assessment forms can be downloaded from www.damstodarnley.org/pack . Additional advice on risk assessments can be sought from the Dams to Darnley countryside ranger service even if they are not going to be leading the group. If you do not have the required equipment it may be possible to borrow this from the countryside ranger service (contact details can be found in appendix 4).


Self-led activities


1. Look for toads/spawn/tadpoles or show a hibernaculum (a specially built soil mound which provides a wintering location for amphibians). The time of year will determine what you will be able to see. With your group discuss requirements and adaptations for survival: toxicity, camouflage, hibernation, explosive breeding and defence techniques. Time: 30mins.


2. Play the camouflage game in either grassland or woodland. Half the group use natural items found in the area to camouflage themselves. They then hide and the other half have to try to find them within an allotted time. Time: 30mins.


3. With your group discuss the impact of a growing human population on toads in the local area. What natural hazards may impact upon toad populations? What can we do to protect them? Time: 15mins.


Equipment: • Paper, tape, stapler and netting of some sort to weave foliage in for camouflage. • Pictures of toad, spawn, tadpoles, life cycle and toad defensive pose.


www.damstodarnley.org


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