It is important that children of all ages are aware of the surrounding environment and understand the implications and effects of natural and manmade problems.

Pendine Outdoor Education Centre offers a host of research opportunities especially catered for school children.

If you would like further information about any of the below execursions please contact the centre on 01994 453659 or email the centre

A Sea Shore Investigation
The beach and rock pools at Pendine offer a chance to study seashore life & pupils are encouraged to think about the harsh environment in which the creatures live.

The affect of tides is considered and pupils made aware that plants and animals adapt to live in certain zones from the high water to low water mark. 

The rock pools at Pendine offer a selection of plants and animals and the beach a variety of different shells.  Environmental problems can be discussed through investigating the strand line and the various pollutants washed up, as well as discussing the impact of the Sea Empress oil disaster of 1995.  

Follow up work can be undertaken in the classroom with regard to classification and food chains.     

Laugharne Visit
A visit to Laugharne provides an opportunity for tying in aspects of the environment with a historical perspective, much of which influenced the writing of Dylan Thomas.

Pupils can walk up to the writing shed with views of the estuary and discuss the scenes which inspired his work, as well as appreciating the woodland and estuary habitats. 

A walk beneath the castle, past the boathouse and through Laugharne provides an historical trail full of interesting buildings.  Between Easter and October it is possible to go around the castle. 

The Laugharne visit provides a good base for a contrasting locality study within the geography curriculum.    

Location study of Pendine (for use in contrast with pupil’s own area)
Pendine is an interesting village to study as its coastal scenery means that it is greatly influenced by tourism as well as providing a valuable site for the Ministry of Defence.

Local residents are employed largely in tourism, agriculture or by the M.O.D.  A split between the older upper village and newer lower provides an opportunity for analysing key questions about the character and reason for development of both. 

Many patterns emerge in studying the upper and lower village as there is a lot of history from aged houses in the older village, to the attempt at the speed records along the beach and Amy Johnson visiting in the lower village.    

Pupils will research land use in the lower village, colour coding residential, holiday and community areas and compare ages of houses in the upper village.

Morfa Bychan Walk
The local round walk from the Centre brings in many environmental aspects and local history.  Pupils are introduced to coastal erosion, both naturally and man made, coastal vegetation and associated wildlife.  Geological features, woodland habitats, the location of Pendine within Carmarthen Bay and further a field. 

Historical events e.g. the speed records of 1920’s, use of Morfa Bychan during World War II, Iron Age settlements etc. 

Discussions are encouraged regarding environmental impact of certain features such as the Windfarm on the hill, MOD land, cars on the beach, caravans, bonfires on Morfa Bychan for example.       

The walk ties in with weather recordings and observations needed for their work sheets & is spontaneous, bringing in any interesting aspect on that particular day.