Are you ready for an outdoor adventure?

Did you know that the Science Centre is just a five minute walk from Butterfly Conservation's Magdalen Hill Down reserve? Part of the South Downs National Park, Magdalen Hill Down is home to thirty-six different species of butterfly. You'll spot lots of wildflowers, insects and other wildlife here, many of which cannot be found anywhere else. It's also been designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation by Hampshire County Council. Wow!

We've teamed up with Butterfly Conservation to offer a brand new way for schools to experience this amazing environment. Come and enjoy a free two-hour outdoor lesson right in the heart of Magdalen Hill Down reserve before heading to the Science Centre to experience an exciting new environmental workshop.

Email our education team to reserve your place
School children butterfly spotting in the South Downs National Park

There are lots of fun activities ready to be tailored to suit the curriculum you are studying.

Marvellous moths

Open up our moth trap and find out what’s hiding inside. Discover the amazing adaptation and survival stories of moths. Will you be lucky enough to have one land in your hand? Explore up close the beauty of these fascinating creatures.

Bio-Blitz and Bug hunt

What minibeasts will you discover in Rosebay Corner, a magical outdoor classroom? Grab your bug hunting kit and see if you can identify what you find with your magnifying glass and sweep net.

Plant hunters

There's up to 40 types of flowering plants per square metre in the South Downs National Park. Wow! Explore their fascinating world in this activity. Can you find a bud, a flower and a seed? Discover how plants are pollinated. What tricks does they use to attract insects?

Hunt for habitats

What’s living in the South Downs National Park? From hedgerows to wildflower meadows, let's find out what special features each habitat has.

School children looking for bugs at the Butterfly Conservation reserve in Winchester School children looking for bugs at the Butterfly Conservation reserve in Winchester A red and black butterfly sat on a pink flower School children looking for bugs at the Butterfly Conservation reserve in Winchester School children looking for bugs at the Butterfly Conservation reserve in Winchester
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Useful information

  • Bookings are open now for free trips on Thursdays between June 2022 and March 2023. Trips take place between 10am and 2pm.
  • Activities are perfect for Years R to 6. One class will take part in each activity at a time.
  • Trips include two Butterfly Conservation workshops and one environmental workshop at the Science Centre.
  • You'll be provided with a dedicated lunch space in a covered outdoor area.
  • There is free parking for minibuses and coaches at the Science Centre.

Who are Butterfly Conservation

Butterfly Conservation is a UK charity dedicated to saving butterflies and moths. These amazing creatures are important parts of the ecosystem. Two-thirds of butterfly and moth species are in decline. Butterfly Conservation maintains and enhances landscapes for butterflies and moths. They provide advice to landowners and managers on how to conserve and restore habitats. They gather extensive butterfly and moth data and conduct research to provide the scientific evidence that underpins their work. Visit their website for more information.