Frequently Asked Questions

Many of the sessions are available all year round, but some are best done at certain times of the year. For example, the worm survey (KS3) is best done in the winter or spring when the ground is softer, but the plant life cycles and reproduction session for Year 5 is best done in April/May when the bluebells are out. Therefore, it is best to check the best time of year to do the session you’d like to book.

The classroom in the Bluebell Centre has space for 30 children and accompanying adults. If you would like to bring more than one class to the reserve at the same time this is possible.

Yes. Your class can learn even more if they come for a full day and really get to experience the nature at the reserve. For example, they can spend the morning in the meadow and pond dipping and the afternoon in the woodland.

Morning sessions are usually 10am-12 and afternoon sessions 12.30-2.30pm, but we are flexible and happy to move the timings to suit you.  Half day sessions are two hours long.

The environmental education sessions are delivered by our Environmental Education Team.

All session leaders have DBS checks and First Aid training.  All the sessions are planned with a full risk assessment, available upon request.

Primary school sessions are charged at £160 per half day session (£270 for a full day session) and secondary schools are charged at £180 per half day session (£360 for a full day session).
Please email education@selbornesociety.org.uk to enquire about the cost of other group sessions.

All invoices should be paid as soon as possible as booking are only confirmed once payment is received.  If you have to cancel the session for any reason this must be done at least 28 days before the date of the session to get a refund or to rebook. Further information is in our Terms and Conditions, which are sent to groups on booking.

We would only cancel the session in extremely bad weather, e.g. in high winds when it would be dangerous to enter the woodland. If there is light rain we continue with the session. We also have use of the classroom in the Bluebell Centre and the session can be adapted so that more time is spent inside.

Most of the paths are suitable for wheelchair and pram use, although if the weather has been bad then there are some sections that become muddy. The Bluebell Centre and toilets have disabled access.

Yes it is possible to do this, but your visit must be booked in advance. The reserve is gated and locked and so someone must be onsite to let you in and out of the reserve.

Generally, we are outside for the duration of the session whatever the weather. This means that all children must be appropriately dressed. When the children are not dressed adequately it spoils their experience. It is extremely important that you check the weather forecast and prepare your group accordingly.

We highly recommend that children wear a waterproof jacket.  Waterproof trousers or a waterproof all-in-one suit are also recommended.  There are two main reasons for this. The first is protection – from things that can ‘sting and prick’ and the second is for protection from the elements – mud and water! Strong waterproof footwear is essential – wellies are really good in wet/ muddy weather. Perivale Wood has brambles and nettles so everyone coming to the wood (including all adults) must be in long trousers and long sleeved tops with sturdy shoes/wellington boots. Young people can wear their own gloves. We also recommend that you ensure your young person has the appropriate sun protection to include sun lotion applied prior to their attendance and head wear for example a sun hat or a cap. It is very important that all children are wearing insect repellent during the late spring, summer and early autumn.

There is on street parking outside the reserve. This is unrestricted at the weekends, but during the week you have to have a residents parking permit between the hours of 9-10am and 2-3pm. The nearest unrestricted parking is on Bilton Road, about 5 minutes walk from the reserve. There is also pay and display parking outside Perivale station.

The entrance to the reserve is from Sunley Gardens in Perivale (UB6 7PE) – a short walk northwards from Perivale London Underground (Central Line) station.

The nearest bus stop is for the 297, and the E5 and 95 both stop on Teignmouth Gardens, a short walk away.

Yes you can bring food to the reserve, but are reminded that all litter should be collected and taken away. There are no bins at the reserve.

We offer bespoke sessions to suit your needs. Contact us at to find out more about what we can offer.

Perivale Wood is open to members of the Selborne Society. The reserve’s perimeter is fenced and the only entrance is via a locked gate on Sunley Gardens. Information about how to become a member can be found at www.selbornesociety.org.uk

Information about the Selborne Society and how to become a member can be found at SelborneSociety.org.uk

Yearly membership costs £10 for an adult, £15 for a couple at the same address, £3 per child.

Lifetime membership is £200 and joint lifetime membership is £350.