Resources for Teachers
Our resources can be used by teachers and group leaders to give background information to National Parks in general, the Peak District and on specific subjects. Many can also be used for classroom use in preparation for your visit and for post-visit activities; all our resources are free to use.
Introduction to the National Park
The Peak District was the first designated National Park in the UK and is one of the most visited National Parks in the world.
It is only one of many beautiful protected areas in the UK where the public can visit a variety of wild landscapes including moors, coastland, mountains and woodland.
For a fascinating insight into the location, history, management and issues facing these areas of outstanding natural beauty, why not visit the National Park UK website? To find out more about the origins of national parks and one of the founders of the conservation movement, visit the John Muir Trust.
Primary Resources
Free online resources to be used before and after educational visits for primary schools.
Rivers
A rives journey is a lesson plan and images that show the Journey of the Burbage Brook and Crowden Little Brook.
- River journey overview (757KB)
- Instructions (760KB)
- River Journey Images (1.4MB)
You do not need to bring this worksheet to your visit as they are provided for you. This copy is in case you need a blank copy after your visit. Exact worksheets used may vary between sites.
Village Studies
A selection of resources aimed at KS2 based on Peak District villages. Read the Teacher's and Leader's notes first and then download the remaining PDf's to run the day successfully. Village studies resources for Castleton, Hartington and Edale.
Do This in the Peak District
Fun animation, activities and lesson plans based on the countryside code. The Peak District became the UK's first National Park in 1951. In many places it looks wild and rugged but in reality such areas are extremely fragile. Every year millions of people choose to visit and explore the Peak District which can put ever-increasing pressure upon the landscape and can impact the people who live and work here.
Help us look after the National Park - our animation explains why and how to enjoy your visit.
Secondary Resources
Free online resources to be used before and after educational visits for secondary schools.
National Parks UK
Hydrology
Both links to videos on YouTube
- Introduction to the Peak District Moors video
- Hill Stream flood surge video - A short video taken by Moors for the Future researchers during a sudden thunderstorm.
Limestone Grassland Ecology (A Level required practical)
- Limestone Grassland Ecology Discussion
- Limestone Grassland Ecology Stats
- Biodiversity Index (worked example)
Carbon and Water (A Level Geography)
- Introduction to the Peak District Moors video
- Carbon and Water Measuring Discharge Emergency Data (50KB)
- Carbon Cycle Diagram (955KB)
- Carbon FRS emergency results (38KB)
- Moorlife 2020: carbon audit Moors for the Future
- Conservation work Moors for the Future
Duke of Edinburgh Resources
Materials that may be useful for planning DofE expeditions
- DofE Introduction to the Peak District (1.6MB)
- DofE Ideas for Expedition Aims (1.4MB)
- Peak District Information Pack (122KB)
- Guidance Notes - Dark Peak (259KB)
- Guidance Notes - White Peak (279KB)
For more Peak District DofE resources see their website.
General Resources
Working with FACE and the Peak District Educators groups a resource pack full of ideas for teaching science outside has been developed. In this pack you will find information about basic principles and the following activities. A useful booklet (2.3MB) produced by Peak District educators and FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) packed with fun activities to do in the big outdoors.
Moorland Teachers' Discovery Pack (5.42MB)
This pack is designed to help teachers and group leaders to lead a safe and fun visit to the moorland areas of the Peak District National Park. The pack is aimed at supporting both class and field-work for students from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4.
Moors for the Future
Our partner organisation has a variety of educational resources including assembly materials, lesson plans and habitat top trump cards.
Using Apps in fieldwork (518KB)
There are many Apps which can be downloaded for free which are brilliant for enhancing your fieldwork. Among them are "Skitch" which allows you to annotate photos, "GPS log" which positions your photos and notes and sound and light meter apps for making recordings in the field.
The UK National Parks Soundmap - a partnership with the UK Acoustics Network
The UK National Parks Soundmap brings together an eclectic and immersive collection of sounds that capture the essence of national parks - from quirky local traditions to the soundtrack of nature.
Cultural Heritage: The Peak District is rich with amazing archaeology. From prehistoric forts and Roman settlements to medieval castles and industrial quarries, there is evidence all around us of the people who have lived here from the remote past to the present day.
A key purpose of the National Park Authority is to conserve and to promote an understanding of the unique and very special character of the cultural heritage of the Peak District. This is achieved through the Cultural Heritage Team with the help of our dedicated volunteers.
To learn more, you can explore some of our digital resources and our annual archaeology and conservation magazine.