Educational Activities

The team

With a wide range of teaching and environmental expertise, we love to share our passion for the River Thames with children so that they will understand the importance of preserving this special habitat and waterway for generations to come.

“If children grow up not knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it; and if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it; and if they don’t protect it, who will?” (David Attenborough)

Get in touch

Why choose us?

‘Nature-Deficit Disorder’ is associated with a diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses and stems from a lack of time spent outdoors during childhood development. Our outdoor environmental education sessions aim to combat Nature-Deficit Disorder.

During our education workshops, children work in small groups with knowledgeable teaching team members on experiments and activities that encourage hands-on participation, observation and questioning. They practise vital life skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and co-operation. They experience a beautiful natural landscape. They may be lucky enough to see some incredible wildlife including seals, herons and kingfishers! Our workshops are designed to be interactive, engaging, and memorable. All our programmes are designed to be accessible and our boats have wheelchair access.

“We’ve had a really wonderful day. It’s been fantastic and the activities fit perfectly with our curriculum. Thank you, you are amazing!” (Primary school teacher)

“Today was so much fun, way better than being at school!” (Pupil)

Where we are

Our floating classroom is a large converted riverboat, Thames Venturer, usually moored at Teddington Lock. This boat is a great base from which to explore the nearby natural and man-made features of the Thames including the banks, the foreshore, the weir and the lock.

We also use a base called Pier House at Hermitage Community Moorings in Wapping, close to Tower Bridge.

Finding Us – River Thames Boat Project