The National Guardianship scheme has been running since 1989 and is a mutually beneficial partnership between schools and National Trust Properties.

There are currently more than 100 running in England and Wales based mainly at countryside and coastal properties. The scheme includes a programme of educational sessions, linked to the national curriculum and is based around conservation, the environment and environmental issues. School involvement in Guardianships varies from scheme to scheme. Some schools visit with one Guardianship class while, for others, every class will visit throughout the year with a ‘lead’ class who may come more often. Some National Trust properties have visitor centres, or other opportunities for displays which could feature Guardianship work, helping explain their involvement and what happens at the property.

An award ceremony, where Guardians are presented with certificates in a school assembly, is a popular way to celebrate the partnership.

Guardianships that work best will have a main link teacher at the school and a key nominated person at the National Trust property who plan the programme together.

The nominated National Trust and school members of staff should discuss what’s on offer at the property and how this fits with the school’s needs and curriculum topics in order that a suitable programme can be developed.

Good communication between both parties is vital to ensure the smooth running of the programme. The school and National Trust staff decide together how they want the project to work.

Projects have found planning easier if they book all session dates at the beginning for the whole year if possible, and change later if necessary.

National Trust staff are not teachers — the unique thing that National Trust staff offer is their expertise and knowledge of the countryside and environment. Evaluations of the scheme show that participating schools and pupils value this enormously.

Depending on the individual arrangements agreed as part of the partnership, there is usually no cost for the school to visit the property and take part in activities. In some cases the National Trust can help towards cost of transport.

For more information contact the Guardianship co-ordinators — Alison Lipscomb, call 0778 6660358 or e-mail alison.lipscomb@nationaltrust.org.uk or Debbie Queen, call 01558 825 109/07920 703 313 or e-mail debbie.queen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Pupils at Sherborne St John Primary School learn in surroundings that few other children can enjoy. Their school is a National Trust property.

The school is part of the beautiful countryside estate surrounding The Vyne, near Basingstoke, and is part of the National Trust’s very successful Guardianship scheme.

This project encourages schools to establish links with trust properties, arrange visits and receive hands-on education.

Children can delve into the mysterious histories behind historic houses, and explore the natural world of the gardens, parklands and ancient woodlands.

Originally built as a great Tudor 'power house', The Vyne was visited by Henry VIII and later became a family home, cherished by the Chute family for more than 350 years.

The attractive gardens and grounds feature an ornamental lake, delightful woodlands and flourishing wetlands, a haven for wildlife and water fowl which can be observed from a bird hide.

The relationship between The Vyne and its local primary school, established more than ten years ago, has proved successful.

Hundreds of seven-to-nine year-olds have come on repeat visits to the grounds of the former Tudor palace, each time with the aim of discovering more about a different aspect of countryside conservation, from trees and fungi, to bats and insects.

Last year also saw the creation of the school’s first vegetable plot, with practical help and advice from The Vyne’s community warden and garden team.

Throughout the year, children can enjoy a variety of educational, but fun, wildlife activities.

At this time of year the children are exploring the world of creepy crawlies, from which they will be collecting data, making notes and putting together their own presentation.

Many Trust properties are now running Guardianship schemes, and in 2011, Basildon Park, near Reading, and Greys Court, near Henley, both hope to forge links with their local schools.

Kids go free in August

Throughout August, the National Trust is waiving all children’s admission charges at many of its properties in this region, including Cliveden, near Maidenhead, where one of the ‘star attractions’ this summer is its exciting new outdoor play area. With natural materials for den-building, and wigwams in which to hide, the play space has been designed to give children somwhere they can let their imaginations run free.

At Basildon Park, near Reading there is a programme of Wild Child activities, crafts and trails that introduce youngsters to the natural world around them.

Greys Court, near Henley, (pictured) is one of the Trust’s most popular venues with children, and on July 29, young visitors can discover more about the magical world of mini-beasts during Creepy Crawlies day (10am–noon).

On 12 August, Explore the Past takes youngsters on a tour of the property to find out more about the Brunner family, who made Greys Court their home.

Then on 26 August, Get Your Wellies On leads children beyond the boundaries of the gardens to learn about Greys’ plot-to-plate system, which reveals how food from the estate finds its way onto our plates. Parents need to be present for all activities.

For further information and a full list of all participating properties, call 01494 755500 or visit the website: www.mynationaltrust.com