Nature schools and groups
Meriharju Nature House is a certified member of the national Network of Nature and Environmental Schools (LYKE). We provide environmental education and training for an ecological lifestyle.
The unique location of Meriharju amidst the magnificent forests of Uutela near inviting shores makes it the gem of Eastern Helsinki, where it is easy to be enchanted by nature.
Come with your class to find the spark to move around in nature!
Meriharju Nature House offers comprehensive, action-based and experiential nature school programmes for 4th to 9th graders and for upper secondary level.
The main focus of the activities is on action-based learning, experiences and insights. The programmes support and complement pupils’ studies at school and therefore form part of their broader school-based learning.
Registration for the nature schools: Kultus
Please register no later than 3 weeks before the start of the programme.
Meriharju Nature School programmes
The nature school programmes mainly take place in April–May in the spring and in September–October in the autumn. You can apply for the nature school programmes twice a year. You will find more detailed information about the programme timetables when you register at Kultus
Exploratory learning: Food web (designed for 6th to 7th graders)
Spend a day doing exploratory learning! We explore how all organisms are connected to each other through the food web. We spend one part of the day outdoors on the beach and in the forest, and the other part inside at Meriharju Nature House. During the day, pupils focus mostly on their own research in small groups. Their topic is the food web of one organism, which they work on using their iPads.
Duration of the programme: three and a half hours
Maximum number of participants: 25 pupils
Experiential nature excursion (designed for 4th to 9th graders and upper secondary education.)
An excursion to the stunning natural environment of Uutela using all our senses. We do a variety of action-based exercises that support and enhance our relationship with nature.
Duration of the programme: two and a half hours
Maximum number of participants: 25 pupils
Baltic Sea day (designed for 5th to 7th graders)
A nature school programme focusing on the Baltic Sea. Through activities, we explore the characteristics of the Baltic Sea and consider some challenges related to it, as well as possible solutions. We learned how we can take care together of the Baltic Sea, the fragile gem of the North.
Duration of the programme: three and a half hours
Maximum number of participants: 25 pupils
Forest day (designed for 5th to 7th graders)
Forest-themed nature school day, during which we explore Finnish forests from different perspectives such as folklore, the impact of forests on well-being and Everyone’s Rights. During the day, we consider how we can see forests from various perspectives, and how we can spend time in them in a way that pays attention to nature and other people.
Duration of the programme: three and a half hours
Maximum number of participants: 25 pupils
Phenomenon: Endangered animals (designed for 5th to 7th graders)
The programme on endangered animals is an inspiring and phenomenon-based learning programme consisting of three meetings. The aim is to deepen our understanding of endangerment and the interdependence of all organisms through an exploratory and action-based approach. Working in small groups, pupils do research and produce a creative output on one chosen endangered animal species. The programme is organised in cooperation between the Korkeasaari Zoo nature school Arkki and Meriharju Nature School.
Duration of the programme: two three-and-a-half-hour meetings at Meriharju and one five-hour meeting at Korkeasaari Zoo
Maximum number of participants: 24 pupils
Wellbeing from Nature – Excursions for Grades 4–9 and Upper Secondary Groups
An excursion that enhances wellbeing and strengthens the connection to nature in the beautiful landscapes of Uutela. We immerse ourselves in nature through movement and gentle exercises that support and deepen wellbeing and our relationship with nature.
Duration: 2 hours
Season: Autumn and spring
Maximum group size: 25 pupils
Nature-based Team Building (for students in grades 7–9)
Book a nature-based and inspiring day to strengthen your class community. We take part in activities in nature that promote team building and spend the entire day outdoors. Nature-based team-building days are organised at the beginning of the autumn term in the beautiful seaside garden setting of the Edible Park on Mustikkamaa Island, as well as in the stunning surroundings near Meriharju Nature Centre in Uutela. There is a separate application process for the team-building days through Kultus
Please note! We have also added nature-based team-building sessions at other times of the year! If you are looking for a team-building day for your class, explore the available activities at Kultus or contact Meriharju Nature Centre for more information.
Duration: three and a half hours
Season: nature-based team-building days are organised at the beginning of the autumn term
Maximum group size: 25 students
Registration: Kultus