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The Living Rainforest


Description

No further information has been added by this provider yet.


Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.5
87 reviews


Excellent
 
56%

Very Good
 
37%

Average
 
7%

Poor
 
0%

Awful
 
0%

(September 2024 - Primary School)




(July 2024 - Primary School)




(June 2024 - Secondary School)




What an amazing experience. We were looked after brilliantly. We had our own dedicated space to leave our bags and have our lunch and our guides were incredible - so engaged with the children. We all had a wonderful time! (June 2024 - Primary School)




Not enough toilets for the number of children visiting the site. (May 2024 - Primary School)




(April 2024)




The Living Rainforest could not have been more accommodating for our specific requirements for an audience of visually impaired pupils. The guide tours were tailored to exploit touch, sound and scent access which aptly brought the rainforest to life. Then actively encouraged the pupils to engage in practical experiences too. the set-up with allocated areas for gathering and lunch was great. Beautifully suited for Key Stage 2 pupils. The staff were all incredibly helpful and positive. (April 2024 - Primary School & Secondary School)




Lack of toilets and there were too many schools there. (April 2024 - Primary School)




(April 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024 - Primary School)




(March 2024 - Secondary School)




(February 2024 - Primary School)




The Living rainforest gave the children the opportunity to experience the habitat of a jungle visually and through all their senses. They could experience the climate change there and what the weather are like in a jungle/rainforest. This gave them the opportunity to feel the difference in weather which we cover in geography and science. Learners had the opportunity in interact socially with peers and be in a social environment amongst other people. They could enjoy the benefit of travelling as a group on a bus and discover more areas of their community. (February 2024 - Primary School)




(February 2024 - Secondary School)




(February 2024 - Secondary School)




(February 2024 - Secondary School)




Great venue, a little small in areas and few toilets but very knowledgeable and lovely staff. (February 2024 - Secondary School)




(December 2023 - Primary School)




A very well organised venue and provider. We were able to make the most of our visit due to the smooth running of the day by the venue staff. Will return in 2 years. (August 2023 - Primary School)




(July 2023 - Primary School)




(June 2023 - Primary School)




(June 2023)




(June 2023 - Primary School)




(June 2023 - Primary School)




(June 2023 - Primary School)




Tours where long, maybe book them as the first thing when you get there. (May 2023 - Primary School)




(May 2023 - Primary School)




(March 2023 - Secondary School)




This was perfect for our rainforest topic with Y5, they gained so much inspiration for their learning. The guides were informative and enjoyable to listen to and we were greeted warmly. For the volume on schools attending, extra toilet facilities may have improved the experience as it took a long time queuing. Also a sign for the disabled toilet which states that not all disabilities are visible as we were met with a grumpy member of staff from another school. The pupils absolutely loved the trip and it was very accessible for all, the playground was great for allowing the class to have some fresh air and run around time. (March 2023 - Primary School)




(March 2023 - Primary School)




(February 2023 - Primary School)




(February 2023 - Secondary School)




(February 2023 - Secondary School)




(February 2023 - Secondary School)




More toilet facilities would be helpful. The venue is fantastic and the guides and staff excellent (February 2023 - Primary School)




(January 2023 - Primary School)




(September 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




That only problem was that on arrival The Living Rainforest penned our students into a tiny area which was a bit claustrophobic and it wasn't exactly COVID conscious even if it was only for 5-10 mins. (July 2022 - Secondary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




(July 2022 - Primary School)




Very busy, so it was difficult to see the exhibition. Toilet facilities need improvement. Tour guide was good, engaging and knowledgeable. (July 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022)




(June 2022)




(June 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022 - Primary School)




(June 2022 - Primary School)




We loved the tour around the rainforest and the children enjoyed time in the outdoor play area. It would be nice, in the future, for the HIB to have more interactive elements for the children to engage with when not in the rainforest. (June 2022 - Primary School)




(May 2022 - Primary School)




(April 2022 - Primary School)




(April 2022 - Secondary School)




The children had a great day and learnt lots about how animals and plants are adapted to the rainforest environment during our interesting and informative tour. (February 2022 - Primary School)




Very interactive for the children and they were able to learn lots about adaptations through the workshop they took part in. The staff members were very helpful and informative. The area where we were able to keep our belongings and have lunch was central to the rainforest meaning we could easily access our belongings when required. (January 2022 - Primary School)




It was a good place for children to develop their rainforest knowledge. However a delayed school group had an impact on our timings. (January 2022 - Primary School)




Tour was very good and linked well to Immersion topic and science topic of animals and adaptations. Good for Year 4 age too. The rainforest was slightly smaller than we thought. Journey was very long and ended up in traffic for 40 minutes as the driver didn't check ahead to see for diversions and roadworks. (January 2022 - Primary School)




It is a good venue. The quality of the guide showing round the group plays a large part in how successful the visit will be and how much the children learn. On this recent occasion the guide was very good for my group. The lunch arrangements are cramped but I am unable to offer any suggestions. The outdoor play area goes down very well too! (November 2021 - Primary School)




Good trip, lots of facts given by the tour guides. Lacking in toilet and wash facilities but overall a good trip. (March 2020 - Primary School)




(February 2020 - Primary School)




(February 2020 - Primary School)




Excellent venue and age appropriate for 4 to 5 year olds learning about the rainforest. (January 2020 - Primary School)




Very informative guides. Children enjoyed the day. (January 2020 - Primary School)




They need more toilets and children need longer in the Glasshouses. (January 2020 - Primary School)




An excellent learning experience for pupils who saw their learning come alive in The Livig Rainforest. Wonderful opportunity for them to encounter real plants and animals from the Amazon rainforest and experience the humid conditions which exist in this location. (October 2019 - Primary School)




(October 2019 - Primary School)




(July 2019 - Primary School)




(June 2019 - Primary School)




Staff were patient and knowledgeable. (June 2019 - Secondary School)




A really well-organised and interesting venue. (June 2019 - Secondary School)




(June 2019 - Primary School)




Children enjoyed the experience and outcomes achieved. Glad we were one of the last groups as it was more enjoyable when quieter - it was sometimes difficult to hear the presentation. Group size was too large to see clearly - would make sure we were in smaller groups next time. (May 2019 - Primary School)




(April 2019 - Primary School)




(March 2019 - Primary School)




Excellent tour guides, who really knew their stuff. Excellent environment, very warm and welcoming. (March 2019 - Secondary School)




Excellent talks and place to visit. Needs more toilets however. (March 2019 - Primary School)




The tours are well organised and the tour guides very knowledgeable. The facilities are adequate but a bit worn. The toilets are not really adequate when there are large groups in. (February 2019 - Secondary School)




Fantastic first hand experience for the children - the tours were particularly interesting and informative which met the key objectives for the trip. Good value for money. Went for the later tours which maximised our time there and ensured the full hour for our tours. For 93 children space can be tricky but not much we can do about that! (January 2019 - Primary School)




Absolutely fabulous trip! Well organised, in line with Year 4 curriculum, informative and enjoyable. Kids and staff had a great day out, would highly recommend. (November 2018 - Primary School)




Only concern is the shortage of number of toilets which makes it tricky to get everyone through before the return journey (November 2018 - Primary School)




Tour guides very knowledgeable. All staff very helpful. (November 2018 - Primary School)




It is a popular visit that we have enjoyed undertaking with our Year 6 children for many years. The staff are friendly and professional. However, the storage space for coats is minimal and (when it rains) the indoor lunch area is cramped and possible unhygienic. There are not enough toilets or handwashing facilities for the number of pupils booked each day, although hand sanitising spray would certainly reduce the bottleneck at the sink. (October 2018 - Primary School)




Not enough activities to fill time productively for Y2 age group. Only 2 toilets with three schools plus public visiting. (October 2018 - Primary School)




Description

No further information has been added by this provider.

Contact

The Living Rainforest
The Living Rainforest
Hampstead Norreys
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 0TN

Reviews

The following reviews have been added by visit leaders using the EVOLVE system.
Overview
4.5
87 reviews


Excellent
 
56%

Very Good
 
37%

Average
 
7%

Poor
 
0%

Awful
 
0%

September 2024 - Primary School




July 2024 - Primary School




June 2024 - Secondary School




June 2024 - Primary School
What an amazing experience. We were looked after brilliantly. We had our own dedicated space to leave our bags and have our lunch and our guides were incredible - so engaged with the children. We all had a wonderful time!



May 2024 - Primary School
Not enough toilets for the number of children visiting the site.



April 2024




April 2024 - Primary School & Secondary School
The Living Rainforest could not have been more accommodating for our specific requirements for an audience of visually impaired pupils. The guide tours were tailored to exploit touch, sound and scent access which aptly brought the rainforest to life. Then actively encouraged the pupils to engage in practical experiences too. the set-up with allocated areas for gathering and lunch was great. Beautifully suited for Key Stage 2 pupils. The staff were all incredibly helpful and positive.



April 2024 - Primary School
Lack of toilets and there were too many schools there.



April 2024 - Primary School




March 2024




March 2024 - Primary School




March 2024 - Primary School




March 2024 - Primary School




March 2024 - Primary School




March 2024 - Primary School




March 2024 - Secondary School




February 2024 - Primary School




February 2024 - Primary School
The Living rainforest gave the children the opportunity to experience the habitat of a jungle visually and through all their senses. They could experience the climate change there and what the weather are like in a jungle/rainforest. This gave them the opportunity to feel the difference in weather which we cover in geography and science. Learners had the opportunity in interact socially with peers and be in a social environment amongst other people. They could enjoy the benefit of travelling as a group on a bus and discover more areas of their community.



February 2024 - Secondary School




February 2024 - Secondary School




February 2024 - Secondary School




February 2024 - Secondary School
Great venue, a little small in areas and few toilets but very knowledgeable and lovely staff.



December 2023 - Primary School




August 2023 - Primary School
A very well organised venue and provider. We were able to make the most of our visit due to the smooth running of the day by the venue staff. Will return in 2 years.



July 2023 - Primary School




June 2023 - Primary School




June 2023




June 2023 - Primary School




June 2023 - Primary School




June 2023 - Primary School




May 2023 - Primary School
Tours where long, maybe book them as the first thing when you get there.



May 2023 - Primary School




March 2023 - Secondary School




March 2023 - Primary School
This was perfect for our rainforest topic with Y5, they gained so much inspiration for their learning. The guides were informative and enjoyable to listen to and we were greeted warmly. For the volume on schools attending, extra toilet facilities may have improved the experience as it took a long time queuing. Also a sign for the disabled toilet which states that not all disabilities are visible as we were met with a grumpy member of staff from another school. The pupils absolutely loved the trip and it was very accessible for all, the playground was great for allowing the class to have some fresh air and run around time.



March 2023 - Primary School




February 2023 - Primary School




February 2023 - Secondary School




February 2023 - Secondary School




February 2023 - Secondary School




February 2023 - Primary School
More toilet facilities would be helpful. The venue is fantastic and the guides and staff excellent



January 2023 - Primary School




September 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Secondary School
That only problem was that on arrival The Living Rainforest penned our students into a tiny area which was a bit claustrophobic and it wasn't exactly COVID conscious even if it was only for 5-10 mins.



July 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School




July 2022 - Primary School
Very busy, so it was difficult to see the exhibition. Toilet facilities need improvement. Tour guide was good, engaging and knowledgeable.



June 2022




June 2022




June 2022 - Primary School




June 2022 - Primary School




June 2022 - Primary School




June 2022 - Primary School
We loved the tour around the rainforest and the children enjoyed time in the outdoor play area. It would be nice, in the future, for the HIB to have more interactive elements for the children to engage with when not in the rainforest.



May 2022 - Primary School




April 2022 - Primary School




April 2022 - Secondary School




February 2022 - Primary School
The children had a great day and learnt lots about how animals and plants are adapted to the rainforest environment during our interesting and informative tour.



January 2022 - Primary School
Very interactive for the children and they were able to learn lots about adaptations through the workshop they took part in. The staff members were very helpful and informative. The area where we were able to keep our belongings and have lunch was central to the rainforest meaning we could easily access our belongings when required.



January 2022 - Primary School
It was a good place for children to develop their rainforest knowledge. However a delayed school group had an impact on our timings.



January 2022 - Primary School
Tour was very good and linked well to Immersion topic and science topic of animals and adaptations. Good for Year 4 age too. The rainforest was slightly smaller than we thought. Journey was very long and ended up in traffic for 40 minutes as the driver didn't check ahead to see for diversions and roadworks.



November 2021 - Primary School
It is a good venue. The quality of the guide showing round the group plays a large part in how successful the visit will be and how much the children learn. On this recent occasion the guide was very good for my group. The lunch arrangements are cramped but I am unable to offer any suggestions. The outdoor play area goes down very well too!



March 2020 - Primary School
Good trip, lots of facts given by the tour guides. Lacking in toilet and wash facilities but overall a good trip.



February 2020 - Primary School




February 2020 - Primary School




January 2020 - Primary School
Excellent venue and age appropriate for 4 to 5 year olds learning about the rainforest.



January 2020 - Primary School
Very informative guides. Children enjoyed the day.



January 2020 - Primary School
They need more toilets and children need longer in the Glasshouses.



October 2019 - Primary School
An excellent learning experience for pupils who saw their learning come alive in The Livig Rainforest. Wonderful opportunity for them to encounter real plants and animals from the Amazon rainforest and experience the humid conditions which exist in this location.



October 2019 - Primary School




July 2019 - Primary School




June 2019 - Primary School




June 2019 - Secondary School
Staff were patient and knowledgeable.



June 2019 - Secondary School
A really well-organised and interesting venue.



June 2019 - Primary School




May 2019 - Primary School
Children enjoyed the experience and outcomes achieved. Glad we were one of the last groups as it was more enjoyable when quieter - it was sometimes difficult to hear the presentation. Group size was too large to see clearly - would make sure we were in smaller groups next time.



April 2019 - Primary School




March 2019 - Primary School




March 2019 - Secondary School
Excellent tour guides, who really knew their stuff. Excellent environment, very warm and welcoming.



March 2019 - Primary School
Excellent talks and place to visit. Needs more toilets however.



February 2019 - Secondary School
The tours are well organised and the tour guides very knowledgeable. The facilities are adequate but a bit worn. The toilets are not really adequate when there are large groups in.



January 2019 - Primary School
Fantastic first hand experience for the children - the tours were particularly interesting and informative which met the key objectives for the trip. Good value for money. Went for the later tours which maximised our time there and ensured the full hour for our tours. For 93 children space can be tricky but not much we can do about that!



November 2018 - Primary School
Absolutely fabulous trip! Well organised, in line with Year 4 curriculum, informative and enjoyable. Kids and staff had a great day out, would highly recommend.



November 2018 - Primary School
Only concern is the shortage of number of toilets which makes it tricky to get everyone through before the return journey



November 2018 - Primary School
Tour guides very knowledgeable. All staff very helpful.



October 2018 - Primary School
It is a popular visit that we have enjoyed undertaking with our Year 6 children for many years. The staff are friendly and professional. However, the storage space for coats is minimal and (when it rains) the indoor lunch area is cramped and possible unhygienic. There are not enough toilets or handwashing facilities for the number of pupils booked each day, although hand sanitising spray would certainly reduce the bottleneck at the sink.



October 2018 - Primary School
Not enough activities to fill time productively for Y2 age group. Only 2 toilets with three schools plus public visiting.