When budgets are tight, a self-led visit offers a more affordable option for schools and other groups to access our country parks and nature reserves. It can also be an optional extra as a follow-up trip after attending one of our Ranger-led sessions.
Self-led visits DO need to be booked in advance. A self-led visit is where your group is accessing the park/nature reserve, but you are not having an organised session led by our Rangers Team. It might not always be possible to accommodate group bookings due to other activities or events that are taking place within the park on the same day, so please do check and book in with us ahead of time. We need to know what activities you are planning, in which locations, and we require a risk assessment to be sent to us before you attend.
Please note that self-led sessions are delivered at your own risk and the safety of participants during the visit is the responsibility of the organiser and accompanying adults; The Ranger Service cannot be held accountable for any accidents or injuries. Thank you.
| Dagenham Corridor Park | Cost | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Eastbrookend Country Park & The Chase Nature Reserve | £25 per class (up to 30 children) | Access to public toilets Access to Nature trail and Sculpture trail Access to children’s playground *Possible access to minibeast area (if not in use by another paying group) *Possible access to indoor space (for an additional fee, depending on availability) No access to pond-dipping platform |
| Beam Valley Country Park | £25 per class (up to 30 children) | No public toilets No indoor space No pond-dipping |
| Beam Parklands | No charge but Risk Assessment and booking still required | No public toilets No indoor space No pond-dipping platform |
* Facilities Eastbrookend Discovery Centre does have classroom space, which may be booked for an additional fee per hour, if the room is available.
During a self-led visit, in order to avoid damage to wildlife habitats, you must stay on the main paths of the nature reserve. Access to specific habitats such as the pond-dipping platform is only possible with a member of our Rangers Team, so is therefore not accessible during self-led visits. The Minibeast area may be accessible, if it is not already in use by another group having a Ranger-led session. When using this area please abide by the golden rules of minibeast hunting. (PDF, 164 KB)
Availability: Depending on activities taking place during the holidays and weekends, self-led visits may be available outside of term-time, please complete the enquiry form and we will try to accommodate you where possible.
Cost: The charge for a self-led visit covers the administration costs associated with the visit and allows us to regulate the number of groups using the site at any one time, which ensures that wildlife areas are not damaged and everyone can enjoy the available space. All funds received from group visits go towards the upkeep and running of our country parks and nature reserves.
To book a self-led visit, please complete the enquiry form here (DOCX, 32 KB)
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the team via Rangers@lbbd.gov.uk or call: 020 8227 2332.
