Hackney’s comprehensive environmental education experience for young people
Environmental Education at Leaside
The ecoACTIVE team of expert environmental educators are committed to providing high-quality sessions that are both engaging and informative. The goal is to inspire positive action towards sustainability.
This stunning location along the River Lea is nestled within the Metropolitan Open Land, overlooking the amazing Walthamstow Marshes. We are in close proximity to the Lea Valley Regional Park and the 2012 Olympic Park, all connected by the River Lea and its towpath system.
We invite you to learn more about our programs and sessions available at Leaside. Contact us to find out more.
Environmental Education and Activity Days at our Leaside setting
Our combined sessions with Leaside have been designed to create a full day of education and fun activities.
Spend the morning with ecoACTIVE for an environmental education session in either our indoor or outdoor classroom then take to the water with Leaside.
For full day combined sessions we have to capacity to host two classes of 30.
ecoACTIVE Sessions
Learn about environmental issues and sustainability in our indoor or outdoor classroom
For Primary Schools choose one of three sessions: Wild Cities, Waste Litter and The River Lea or Food Waste and Growing.
For Secondary schools choose either Food and sustainability, Renewable Energy or Waste and the 6 Rs of sustainability.
Leaside Activities
Take to the water and help clean up the River Lea
Leaside have developed Primary and Secondary School activities that compliment the ecoACTIVE environmental education sessions. Their programme has been developed to enhance learning in the outdoors. Capitalising on our location which is situated within a unique space along the River Lea.
Activities include River Litter Picks, Kayaking; Canoeing; Stand up Paddleboarding or Off Road Biking
A Typical Day at Leaside
10am
Arrive at Leaside, our stunning location overlooking Walthamstow Marshes.
10:30am - 12pm
Children go to either our inside or outside classroom for a workshop on Waste and The River Lea
12pm - 12:30pm
Our lunch in our outside classroom or inside the hall if it’s raining.
12:30pm - 2pm
Take to The River Lea for a litter pick with the team from Leaside
Primary and Secondary at our Leaside setting
The ecoACTIVE workshops offer children hands-on learning experiences on vital environmental themes, tailored to their age group. Through engaging, real-world activities, students explore topics like food growing, waste reduction, air pollution, biodiversity, water scarcity, plastics, and energy. These workshops link to the national curriculum and encourage children to become active, environmentally aware citizens.
Primary Sessions
The ecoACTIVE workshops cover seven key environmental themes, offering children relatable, real-life problems to help them understand and take action on environmental issues. These workshops are cross-curricular and tailored to different age groups, from EYFS to Key Stage 1 & 2, available as single sessions or as a course for greater impact. Themes include food growing and composting, waste management and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), air pollution, urban biodiversity, water scarcity, plastics, and energy. Each workshop links to the national curriculum and emphasizes hands-on learning, inspiring students to become active citizens and environmentally conscious individuals.
Secondary Sessions
Our Secondary program's introductory modules provide a foundational understanding of the causes, effects, and solutions to the climate crisis, preparing students for deeper exploration. The seven topics of the "Sustainability and Solutions" series cover key areas of modern life and their environmental impacts, offering practical ways to reduce harm. These modules include food and nutrition, renewable energy, sustainable travel, consumption and waste, active citizenship, the impact of the textile industry, and plastic use. Each topic not only highlights the challenges but also presents inspiring solutions and initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable future.
Workshop Fees
£150 per 1.5 hour workshop (ecoACTIVE only session for up to 30 pupils)
£300 for a full day (ecoACTIVE & Leaside combined session for up to 30 pupils)
We endeavour to work around your arrival and departure times and offer flexibility where possible. We can deliver a maximum of two sessions in one day, per class of 30 pupils.
Single workshops at Leaside are 1 hour 30 mins in length and prices* include the following;
Preparation for and delivery of the session(s) by trained and experienced educators and instructors
All resources and equipment provided (N.B pupils will need appropriate clothing and a change of clothes if taking part in water based activities. For kit lists and risk assessments for the Leaside sessions, please visit the Leaside website).
Indoor or outdoor space (weather permitting) for groups to have their lunch - please bring a packed lunch for pupils.
* Terms and conditions apply. Any additional charges will be discussed prior to booking. Discounts available for multiple bookings.
Leaside
Leaside provides you with the opportunity to try a wide range of outdoor sports without having to travel great distances. Their sessions/courses are tailored to suit everybody’s abilities and can be peer led or delivered by a team of experienced professional staff.
The unique partnership with ecoACTIVE is cemented by a shared environmental vision and love for nature.
Leaside is committed to:
Reducing their environmental impact and making their activities more sustainable.
Encouraging participants to be environmentally aware through education. Championing environmental stewardship and individual responsibility.
Supporting and restoring the natural environment.
ecoActive are working with and supporting Leadside to:
Improve the infrastructure at Leaside to be more energy efficient and reduce their overall environmental footprint
Raise awareness in the community on what we can all do to to help our local natural environment and River Lea recover from decades of pollution
Educate users and the community to be aware of and reduce their impact on our local and world environment
Facilities
Leaside have indoor training spaces that can cater groups of up to 120 people.
Their secluded outdoor space is perfect for environmental education and Forest school sessions.
The BBQ and Pizza Oven overlooking the River Lea and Walthamstow Marshes is an added bonus.
Join ecoACTIVE and Leaside for workshop, action day or event!
Combine our secondary sessions with a paddle on the river Lea, or a walk in Walthamstow marshes to make your visit a rewarding and memorable experience for pupils
“This place has such a beautiful view and you also get to pick up plastic which is good for wildlife.”
— Yr. 4 Pupil, St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School
Discover More School Projects
Why choose ecoACTIVE?
Exciting, inspiring and relevant experiences
We’ve worked with school professionals and young people for years to develop our workshops into creative and positive experiences. We bring the awe and wonder to the subject of the environment and your pupils will be inspired to continue these projects themselves.
Experienced professionals
Your staff can relax knowing that we bring years of teaching experience to the classroom and our staff are passionate about environmental education.
Thorough risk assessment, policies and procedures
With enhanced DBS checks, all our delivery staff are fully qualified to visit schools. We have comprehensive policies and procedures in place that include Risk Assessment, Health and Safety, Confidentiality, Child Protection and Safeguarding.