A nature exploration excursion can be much more than just a simple walk. At the Nature Conservation Agency’s nature centres, schoolchildren can study rocks, plants and animals, learn to assess water and air quality, and discover ecosystems and specially protected nature areas, whilst on the nature trails in Līgatne they can observe Latvia’s wildlife in its natural habitat.

Gauja National Park Nature Centre – geology, the River Gauja and nature exploration

At the Gauja National Park Nature Centre in Sigulda, pupils can learn about the geology of the ancient Gauja Valley, Devonian sandstone formations, caves, plants and animals. Here, natural sciences are learnt through hands-on activities – using games, interactive materials, magnifying glasses and microscopes.

Pupils can examine rock samples, learn about the formation of the Gauja riverbed and discover which species used to live in and around the river and which can be found there today. Sessions take place both on the nature centre’s premises and within the Gauja National Park.

What can be studied?

• The geology of the Gauja River’s ancient valley and sandstone rocks;
• plants, animals and their interrelationships;
• ecosystems – forests, meadows, water bodies and other natural environments;
• animal tracks and food chains;
• water quality and aquatic organisms;
• biodiversity and specially protected nature areas.

The Nature Centre also offers STEM activities for various age groups of schoolchildren.

See the Gauja National Park Nature Centre’s offer →

Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre – explore the bog in the wild

The Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre offers pupils the chance to explore one of Latvia’s most characteristic and interesting ecosystems – the bog.

During the bog lesson in the Great Ķemeri Moor, pupils head out into nature to learn about the plants and animals of the bog, discover how a bog forms and why it is important both for the conservation of biodiversity and for climate processes.

Why choose Ķemeri?

• the lessons take place in a real bog environment;
• there is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the bog’s plants and animals;
• pupils learn about how bogs are formed;
• the lessons explain the importance of bogs in biodiversity and climate processes;
• the excursion can be combined with a walk in Ķemeri National Park.

See the Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre’s offer →

Līgatne Nature Trails – Latvia’s wildlife up close

The Līgatne Nature Trails are ideal for school groups wishing to combine learning about nature with a hike. Along the network of trails, stretching over 5 kilometres, you can discover Latvia’s wild animals and their habitats.

In the enclosures, you can observe elks, foxes, bears, roe deer, lynx, wild boar and other animals characteristic of Latvia’s fauna, as well as birds. It is recommended that you allow around 2–3 hours for your visit.

For school groups, the following is available:

• an introduction to wild animals and their way of life;
• nature education sessions;
• STEM activities;
• educational materials for independent study;
• guided tours;
• a walk through the Gauja National Park landscape.

The Līgatne Nature Trails are also a great choice for younger schoolchildren, as observing animals makes hands-on nature exploration particularly vivid and exciting.

See the Līgatne Nature Trails’ offer →

Rāzna National Park Nature Centre – Latgale’s nature and landscape

The Rāzna National Park Nature Centre invites pupils to explore Lake Rāzna, the hilly landscape of Latgale, its forests and meadows, and the importance of specially protected nature areas.

Nature education lessons take place not only on the centre’s premises – pupils also visit the shores of Lake Rāzna, Mākoņkalns and other natural areas.

Nature exploration opportunities

• Exploring the natural treasures of Rāzna National Park;
• the importance of specially protected nature areas;
• forest and meadow ecosystems;
• animals, plants and their interrelationships;
• water quality studies;
• practical nature observation and research.

A nature discovery session entitled ‘Alnīša’s Walk along the Stone Trail’ is also available for younger pupils, whilst STEM activities are offered to various year groups.

See the Rāzna National Park Nature Centre’s offer →

The Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve Nature Centre – from the sea to the marsh

Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve Nature Centre in Salacgrīva offers a particularly diverse range of nature education programmes – from the Baltic Sea and the coast to the forest, the bog, the marsh and the Randu Meadows.

Here, pupils don’t just listen to a talk, but get hands-on – examining objects with magnifying glasses, using soil probes and thermometers, measuring trees, observing birds, studying animal tracks and going on walks through various ecosystems.

Lesson topics

• The Baltic Sea and its coastline;
• birdwatching and migratory birds;
• animal tracks;
• the water cycle and its importance in nature;
• trees, giant trees and how to measure them;
• assessing air quality;
• biodiversity;
• processes in nature throughout the different seasons.

Groups of schoolchildren can go on walks along the coast, through a bog, in a dune forest, in a swamp or in the Randu meadows. The nature centre also features an exhibition dedicated to ecosystems.

See the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve Nature Centre’s offer →

What do pupils gain from a nature study excursion?