School Programmes

We offer exciting programmes at both primary and secondary levels. Our main emphasis with schools, colleges and youth groups is to bring a global perspective to the National Curriculum, especially in environmental and development issues. We encourage schools and other groups to use the plants, facilities and opportunities offered by the Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum in interesting and innovative ways. Teaching takes place through programmed visits to the Botanic Garden and Arboretum, and through associated activities in schools, all taught by our qualified teachers.

We also provide CPD, teacher-trainee courses and resource materials to teachers and youth leaders.

Download our Risk Assessment sheet

Adult Programmes

We offer a popular plant identification course, guided tours of the garden and regularly host a number of independent art groups who hire our facilities. We also collaborate with the Richard Attenborough Centre (Embrace Arts) in providing summer art courses.

Self-guided Programmes 

Groups are welcome to use the Botanic Garden or Attenborough Arboretum during opening hours to lead their own educational activities.

However we do ask that you:

1. Pre-book and let us know the type of activities you are planning. This is for your benefit as well as ours as we can advise you what other activities are happening that day and whether these will interfere with your plans.
2. Remember the Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum are for education and research and not a public park for sports style activities.
3. Recognise that some activities need a member of the Botanic Garden staff present.

Classrooms are available to hire at both sites. Cost: £30 per day for each of the two smaller Botanic Garden classrooms and £60 per day for the larger Botanic Garden and Arboretum classrooms.

Schools may like to download our self-guided activity booklet. 

For more information about any of our programmes, please contact:-

Education Officer
University of Leicester Botanic Garden,
Stoughton Drive South,
Oadby, Leics., LE2 2NE
Phone/fax: 0116-271-2933

Email: botanicgarden@le.ac.uk