Canal trips specifically designed for parties of school students
Chichester Canal is a precious resource which we feel should be enjoyed by everyone.
Many schools build ‘learning outside the classroom’ into the curriculum where there are so many opportunities to experience the fun of learning in the natural world. The Education Team who volunteer at the Canal, are former teachers and are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and love of the Canal and would like school children to learn about :
- the wildlife which inhabits the Canal – how/where they nest and their lifecycle
- the biodiversity of the Canal including the plants, hedgerows, towpath verges and waterway banks
- how we all play a part in the relationship with the creatures who live in and around the Canal
- how we look after the Canal with the aim of preserving the wildlife and habitat along the banks so we can all enjoy what this area has to offer.
The activities and the wide range of curriculum related topics are linked to Key Stages 1 & 2 and working jointly with school staff, we aim to complement the school timetable. For the budding 
artists, there is the opportunity to sketch and write; science enthusiasts can check the variety of life in the water and maths includes a number (how many can you spot?) and helping the scientist measure their creepy crawlies! We are also able to cater for pupils who have special educational needs. The Canal History page acts as an introduction to your trip.
Education on the Canal Trip
We have 2 boats – Richmond can accommodate 31 and Kingfisher 22 passengers.
Each trip begins at our newly refurbished Heritage Centre where pupils can learn about the origin of the Canal – how it was built; the features which can be seen along the way and the chance to spot the wonderful wildlife which lives on and below the water. The boat leaves the Canal Basin and travels south to Hunston where weather permitting and with sufficient staff supervision, pupils can get off the boat and walk the short distance onto the 
bridge close to the location where JMW Turner painted Chichester Cathedral. We can spend some time along the towpath exploring the different plant life in and around the water. Key Stages 1 & 2 resources include Victorian history, Science and English topics. There is the choice of walking back to the Canal Basin or returning on the boat. Each trip costs £50 per group (adults & pupils) and we can jointly plan the length of the trip to suit your pupils’ ages/abilities. It also includes all the learning materials. Pupils can bring their own snacks and drinks – refreshments will be provided for the staff members. If you would like to join us for an Education on the Canal trip, please contact the Canal Cafe on 01243 771363 between 09.30 and 16.00 or e-mail info@nullchichestercanal.com
Planning your trip
It would be helpful if you could meet with us before booking a trip so that we can jointly plan an educational experience that will fully benefit your pupils. The following is for the safety of all staff and pupils and all schools are advised to:
- complete their own Risk Assessment prior to any trip and we will complete a Risk Assessment on behalf of the Canal Trust on the day of the trip which you will be required to sign/date (see downloads)
- check they have appropriate liability insurance for external activities – the Trust has relevant insurance cover (see downloads)
- provide sufficient adult/pupil ratio of school staff support
- obtain parental consent from all parents and if possible, permission for pupils to be photographed on the trip
- ensure the pupils and staff wear suitable clothing and footwear, depending upon the weather
- inform us of any health/mobility needs in advance of the trip