Activities at coastal locations
These activities are designed to help pupils understand why our fantastic coastline is like it is and to enable pupils to develop a range of practical field study skills. For further information about the coast follow the links below.
Additional resources for teachers
Tide Times: Please note that planning coastal activities depends on tide times, please ring to discuss. Tide tables are also available in local shops or by ringing the Whitby Harbour Master's Office with specific dates (Tel: 01947 602354).
Coastal Landforms and Sediments
This practical field day focuses on coastal geomorphology and coastal sedimetary environments. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in topographic survey techniques, sediment analysis, field sketching and data collection and analysis. Issues relating to the management of coastal conflicts and hazards are also discussed. Additional pre and post visit resources are available to supplement and enhance the field experience.
Main curriculum links: KS3 / GCSE / A level geography - coastal processes and landforms; how and why the coast is being managed; coastal change and conflict; collecting, recording and presenting data; analysing and interpreting data, using maps of different scales.
Age Range: KS3, KS4 and A Level
Duration: Full Day (eg. 10am to 2.30pm)
Location: Robin Hoods Bay
Coastal Dune Ecology
This practical field day focuses on the measurement and understanding of coastal dune ecology and gives pupils an opportunity to develop skills in topographic survey techniques, vegetation analysis and field sketching. In addition we discuss how and why the dune system is being managed. Additional pre and post visit resources are available to supplement and enhance the field experience.
Main curriculum links: KS3 / KS4 / A level geography and science - vegetation and soils; ecological relationships; how and why the coast is being managed; collecting, recording and presenting data; analysing and interpreting data.
Age Range: KS3, KS4 and A Level
Duration: Full Day (eg. 10am to 2.30pm)
Location: Skinningrove
Where Land Meets Sea
An investigation into coastal processes and management at Robin Hood's Bay. The first part of this session is a slide presentation explaining how the local geography, geology and people have shaped the bay into what we see today and current strategies for the management of the Heritage Coast. This is followed by a short guided walk along the shore to observe coastal features and sea defence works.
Main curriculum links: GCSE / A level Geography - effects of geology and coastal processes on a landscape, coastal protection objectives and management strategies, managing environments in a sustainable way.
Age Range: Year 9 (Age 14) upwards
Duration: Half day (about two hours)
This activity is delivered by National Trust staff at The Old Coastguard Station. 
This is a visitor centre located on the slipway at Robin Hood's Bay, operated by the National Trust with assistance from the National Park Authority.
For further information please contact:
Visitor Services Manager
The Old Coastguard Station
The Dock, Robin Hood's Bay
Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4SJ
Telephone: 01947 885900 or e mail
