Somerset Earth Science Centre

19/06/2026

With warmer weather on the way, many people will be heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, but please remember quarries are not safe places to swim or explore.

Even if the water looks calm and inviting, quarry water can be extremely dangerous:

❄️ Ice-cold temperatures that can cause shock, cramp, or drowning
🕳️ Hidden drop-offs and submerged hazards beneath the surface
🚫 Steep, unstable edges and risk of falling rocks

Stay safe by choosing supervised environments such as lifeguarded pools or designated open-water venues.

Let’s all enjoy the weather safely and make sure everyone gets home. Please share this message with friends and family.

09/06/2026

We've had a wonderful day with the children from Yeo Moor Primary School, Clevedon. They particularly enjoyed their tour of Moons Hill Quarry, learning about the ancient volcanic rock and how it is processed and used to surface their local roads in North Somerset. with John Wainwright & Co., North Somerset Council.

30/04/2026

Still a few places, are you joining in?
Book below..

Starting 8th May, here in Somerset.
This course is perfect for:
- Educators looking to expand their teaching methods
- Nature enthusiasts who want to share their passion
- Youth leaders and childcare professionals
- Anyone eager to foster a deeper connection between children and nature
Why Choose Coast & Forest Education? Learn from skilled Forest School professional. A Forest School Association Endorsed Trainer. 30 years working in the outdoors from conservation to Forest school and outdoor Education
Level 2 and Level 3 course available.

29/04/2026

Come along and find us at the amazing free science Somerscience Festival on 4th May. Loads of interactive science fun to highlight the many STEM career opportunities available in Somerset. Or just come along to meet lots of experts and explore the wonderful world of science. We will be there to talk about the quarry industry and show you how rocks shape our lives. fun

26/03/2026

We had a wonderful visit from Winscombe Primary School this week. The children loved “drawing fossils” and “dropping water on the rocks and watching it soak in”

They were full of excitement when we headed by minibus to Moons Hill Quarry at John Wainwright & Co. Ltd. to see the incredible volcanic rock and how it is processed, including a peek inside the quarry’s control room where they discovered how technology helps keep such a huge operation running safely and efficiently.

Thank you, Winscombe Primary - we loved having you with us and hope to see you again soon 🌟

20/03/2026

Get more website visits

12/03/2026

Thank you Sidcot School! We are delighted to hear that Year 8 enjoyed their rocks, fossils and quarry adventures with us as much as we did!

11/03/2026

29/11/2025

Hi Folks, a reminder we have an Early Bird Discount offer on our Somerset course starting next spring
if you have any questions
get in touch.....

🌲 **Become a Certified Forest School Leader** 🌲

Do you have a passion for nature and a calling to inspire young minds? Take the next step in your journey with our **Forest School Leader Course**—where education meets adventure! 🌿

What’s in it for you?
**Hands-On Training**: Learn the essentials of outdoor learning, nature-based education, and child-led discovery from experienced leaders in the field.
**Practical Skills**: Gain the skills to create engaging, safe, and transformative outdoor experiences. Learn about fire-lighting, shelter-building, tool use, and environmental stewardship.
**Child Development Focus**: Understand how to support confidence, resilience, and teamwork in children, using nature as a powerful learning environment.
**Certification**: On completion, you'll earn an accredited certification to lead Forest School sessions, opening doors to exciting opportunities in outdoor education.

Who Should Join?
This course is perfect for:
- Educators looking to expand their teaching methods
- Nature enthusiasts who want to share their passion
- Youth leaders and childcare professionals
- Anyone eager to foster a deeper connection between children and nature

Why Choose Us?
**Expert Trainer**: Learn from skilled Forest School professional. A Forest School Association Endorsed Trainer with 30 years outdoor activity, education and conservation experience
**Community**: Join a network of like-minded individuals passionate about outdoor learning.

Ready to start your journey?
Explore, inspire, and lead with confidence. Join today to become a Forest School Leader and start changing lives—one forest at a time! 🍃

For more information and to register, visit https://coastandforest.co.uk/contact-us/

07/11/2025

We are so chuffed to have won First Prize in , jointly with Axe Valley Men's Shed.

We’re delighted to announce the UK winners of the Quarry Life Award, our nature-based competition promoting biodiversity and community engagement at quarry sites.

🌱Research winner: Dr Carly Stevens, Professor of Plant Ecology and Soil Biogeochemistry at Lancaster University, explored how different grazing seasons affect rare limestone pavement habitats at Horton quarry in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

🐝Community winner: Axe Valley Men’s Shed, in partnership with Somerset Earth Science Centre, built a bug hotel out of recycled materials to create a habitat for insects at Batts Combe quarry in Cheddar.

A big thank you to everyone who participated this year. All projects now advance to the international stage of the competition to compete for a €30,000 top prize – best of luck!