Discover the sounds, sights, shapes, shadows and mystery of the Wombat State Forest at night.
Recommended Staff : Student Ratio for this Activity:- 1 : 6
(Blackwood Staff can never be considered as part of any staff : student ratio during the delivery of any lesson)
With their torches in one hand and glow sticks (provided by Blackwood Special Schools Outdoor Education Centre) in the other, students will be ready to head out to explore and discover the night life in Blackwood. On a rare ocassion, a night walk will actually showcase some of the nocturnal wildlife that call the Wombat State Forest home.
To improve your groups chances of seeing wildlife during a night walk, students need to remember the following:-
- To be as quiet as possible - with their voices & their feet
- To use their torches to light up the forest
- To keep their eyes open
- To NOT shine their torches in other peoples eyes
- If any wildlife is found, to remain silent and just look with their eyes
- To stick together as a group
By supporting your friends and doing this together, your chances of seeing wildlife may improve.
If you are lucky to be in Blackwood on a clear night with a full moon high above the forest, you may find walking through the forest at night does not require a torch. This is a magical and memorable experience as the glow from the full moon naturally lights up the walking track below the trees helping to guide you safely through the Wombat State Forest.
Especially during a clear full moon it is always a wonderful experience to turn the torches off while in the forest. By doing this students will be able to experience the sights of the forest at night and may even glimpse the stars above the forest canopy.
Minimum time allocation: 30min
Victorian Curriculum learning area/capability:
- HPE- Movement and Physical activity: Moving the body
- SCSE – Self-awareness and Management: Developing resilience, recognition and expression of emotions
1970 - Night Walks established at Blackwood Special Schools Outdoor Education Centre