THE arrival of the new millennium has proved to be a bonus for everyone involved in educational visits. In an effort to produce lasting memorials for a new age, the Government allowed hundreds of millions of pounds worth of Lottery money to be spent creating a new generation of attractions.
The Millennium Commission has handed over around pound;1.2 billion to part-fund 200 projects. Many have been stunning and all have endeavoured to provide child-centred visits.
Several of these venues, such as Eden in Cornwall and Magna near Sheffield (page 11), have captured national and international attention. Others may be more low key, such as Whisby nature park in Lincolnshire (page 6) and Origins in Norwich (page 20), but they also offer valuable learning experiences.
While the new glittering attractions have been enjoying all the attention, let’s not forget the museums and galleries that have been the mainstay of educational visits. The removal of all charges at the end of last year has seen a huge surge in attendance by children and adults.
In or out of school hours, going to view our historic, scientific and artistic heritage is all the rage again.
Yolanda Brooks editor
