These notes are issued to teachers in advance of a visit to advise of particular safety issues relating to a Park visit. Please ensure that they have been read and understood by all the adults accompanying your group and that students have been briefed on all these points before visiting Wimpole Park.

General Information

1. The access to the Parkland is through the gate opposite the entrance to the Stable Block. Follow along the path passing in front of the church and then in front of the Hall. Continue along the path and through a gate. Please note that this is the only access into the Park.

2. Teachers intending to bring students on a visit to Wimpole Park are strongly advised to make a preliminary visit in order to ascertain routes and timings during the visit.

3. The students remain the responsibility of the teacher in charge and their helpers at all times during their visit to Wimpole. All groups must be closely and adequately supervised.

4. All visitors to the Park should observe the Countryside Code. See overleaf.

5. A minimum ratio of one adult to ten students is required.

6. Check and comply with all notices, both temporary and permanent.

7. Teachers should bring a school first aid kit and are advised to bring a mobile phone in case of emergencies.

Health and Safety Information

1. Please ensure that the group is well controlled on and near the bridges. The sides of the bridges must not be climbed on.

2. Gates should be used. Do not climb over fences or railings.

3. Students must not be allowed to climb trees.

4. Occasionally electric fences are used in the Park. They have warning signs on them. Students should be warned to stay away from these fences.

5. Wimpole is a working Park and Farm. Work areas should not be entered and students should be kept away from all machinery, even if static.

6. Livestock graze in the Park. Students should not approach livestock and should never come between a mother and her young. Students must walk calmly and quietly if in the vicinity of livestock.

7. Farm animals are kept in the Park and so contamination of footwear, clothes and hands with animal faeces is possible, therefore sensible hand washing and hygiene precautions must be taken before eating and before leaving the Park. Hand washing facilities are available in the Stable Block.

8. Stout footwear and warm clothing should be worn.

9. There is currently no public access into the area around the Folly, therefore please ensure that students do not approach the Folly.

Water in the two lakes is deep in places. Teachers and accompanying adults must be particularly vigilant when walking near the lakes with the students.

Any accidents or near misses must be reported to a member of Wimpole’s Staff. First aid boxes are available at the Hall, Stable Block and Farm when these are open, but schools should bring their own First aid kit.

Countryside Code

• Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
  Even when going out locally, it's best to get the latest information about where and when you can go; for example, your rights to go onto some areas of open land may be restricted while work is carried out, for safety reasons or during breeding seasons. Follow advice and local signs, and be prepared for the unexpected.

• Leave gates and property as you find them
  Please respect the working life of the countryside, as our actions can affect people's livelihoods, our heritage, and the safety and welfare of animals and ourselves.

• Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
  We have a responsibility to protect our countryside now and for future generations, so make sure you don't harm animals, birds, plants or trees.

• Keep dogs under close control
  The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people.

• Consider other people
  Showing consideration and respect for other people makes the countryside a pleasant environment for everyone - at home, at work and at leisure.

Countryside Code Leaflet (PDF)

EDUCATION OFFICE
Telephone 01223 206004
Fax 01223 207838
education.wimpole@nationaltrust.org.uk