Horton Kirby Environmental Education Centre

Horton Kirby Environmental Education Centre’s main aim is to support schools in delivering ‘Learning outside the Classroom’ particularly the subjects of science, geography and history, through providing pupils with practical experience of the natural and built environment around Horton Kirby and the nearby Darent Valley. The Centre is visited by over 4,000 pupils every year and lies eight kilometres south of Dartford in north west Kent. It also organises occasional open days when the public can visit the site and wildlife area with its many land and freshwater habitats. In addition it is a focus for the Continual Professional Development of teachers and others engaged in outdoor education.

On Site Facilities

Centre facilities are available for hire for company training days and comprise one large room with seating available for 30 people and two smaller rooms with a capacity for up to 20 delegates. Refreshments are available onsite and a buffet lunch can be arranged, though most groups use the local public house for this purpose. The Centre is also an ideal venue for schools to carry out self led or Centre led staff development sessions. The wildlife area which is about one acre in size provides opportunities for a variety of team-building and networking pursuits as well as investigations of a variety of flora and fauna.

The Local Area

Horton Kirby and the Darenth Valley is a beautiful area with superb walks among open fields and woodland passed by the river Darent as it journeys from its source near Westerham to the river Thames north of Dartford. The village comprises a range of house types and ages, creating much of interest for pupils’ and adult studies.

Parking

There is room for up to ten cars on the Centre driveway and reinforced grassed forecourt and additional parking along School Lane.

Booking

The Centre is mainly available for hire when schools are not present. However anyone interested in using the facilities should contact the Centre as in certain circumstances a room may be available while classes are on site.