El Environmental Information and Education Center of the Country House It's one of those places in Madrid that many people overlook, but which hides a lot of surprises. Located next to the famous lake, this municipal space has become a true gateway to discovering what really lies behind the city's great "green lung" and why it's so important for the quality of life of those who live in the capital, and to understanding the importance of environmental education.
Beyond being a simple information point, this center functions as a living space for environmental education It combines exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, family activities, programs for schools, and visits to other municipal environmental resources. If you're interested in nature, the history of Madrid, or want your little ones to learn about caring for the environment while having fun, this place is perfect for you. It also serves as a great way to learn about the objectives of environmental education that are applied in public activities.
What is the Environmental Information and Education Center of the Country House?
El Environmental Information and Education Center of the Country House It is part of the network of environmental information and education centers promoted by the Madrid City Council, located in various parks and green spaces throughout the city. They all share a common mission: to bring citizens closer to the natural environment and promote more sustainable lifestylesBut the one in Casa de Campo has a particularly important role because of the privileged environment in which it is located.
This center is located very close to country house lake It is spread over two floors. Although not enormous, it is designed as a true interpretation center for the park, with exhibition resources, information panels, interactive elements and educational materials that help to understand what a Mediterranean forest is like and what it means to have it next to a large city like Madrid.
Its main objective is to publicize the natural, historical and cultural values The Casa de Campo park showcases its flora and fauna, their evolution over the centuries, their role as a royal hunting ground, their transformation into a public park, and their current importance for biodiversity and the well-being of the city. All of this is explained in an accessible, clear, and highly visual way, ideal for both adults and children. In this sense, the center highlights natural values which are key to urban conservation.
In addition to the exhibition space, the center acts as information point on environmental resources and activities which take place in the Casa de Campo and other municipal green spaces. Through their website and the office itself, you can consult the program for each season, get answers to your questions about trails, biodiversity, or guided tours, and discover ways to enjoy the park differently, as well as learn about aspects of environmental management municipal regulations applicable to the park.
When you enter, you find yourself in a space reminiscent of a small museum of trees, seeds and natural historywith content designed to spark curiosity. It is especially recommended for children interested in botany or animals, but also for adults who want to go beyond the typical stroll around the lake and picnic area.
Objectives and philosophy of environmental education at Casa de Campo
The center's work is not limited to teaching interesting facts about plants or animals; its true focus is the Environmental education as a tool for changeThe idea is that, through enjoyable activities, people will understand why it is crucial to preserve spaces like the Casa de Campo and how their daily decisions influence the environment, including practices for preserve spaces like the Casa de Campo beyond the visit.
Among its main goals is to to enhance the value of the Casa de Campo within the urban contextExplain why this enormous park acts as a green lung, how it helps regulate the temperature, and improve air qualityto dampen the noise of the city and offer refuge to a multitude of species of flora and fauna typical of the Mediterranean forest.
Another important line is that of to promote history and cultural heritage associated with the park. It's not just about trees, birds, or insects; it also delves into the past of this space, from its origins as a royal hunting ground to its opening to the public and its current social use, including the remains, buildings, and historical elements scattered throughout. This aspect is directly related to environmental heritage and culture.
The environmental education developed at the center aims to be participatory, approachable and very practicalIt's not just about listening to an explanation, but about going out into the field, observing firsthand, doing hands-on workshops, solving challenges, or exploring interpretive trails where participants become protagonists, investigate, and draw their own conclusions.
Especially in the school setting, the programs seek to facilitate the integration of environmental education into the curriculum From preschool to high school. Activities linked to classroom content are offered, supporting documentation is provided to teachers, and even specific training is offered so that they can then continue working on these topics with their students at the school.
Activities for the general public and families
Throughout the year, the center organizes a wide variety of free activities for all audiencesFrom adults interested in learning more about environmental issues to families with children who want to spend a different kind of morning in nature without leaving Madrid.
One of the most common proposals are the interpretive itineraries and hiking trails through the Casa de Campo and its surroundings. Accompanied by environmental educators, the groups explore different areas of the park to learn about its plant formations, identify birds, follow animal tracks, discover ponds, streams or groves and better understand how the Mediterranean ecosystem works in this peri-urban environment.
They are also offered workshops for adultsThese workshops cover a wide range of topics related to sustainability: responsible consumption, sustainable mobility, energy, recycling, urban biodiversity, urban gardens, etc. They are usually hands-on activities, where you learn by doing, and are designed to make it easy to apply that knowledge in everyday life.
The family activities They are another highlight of the center. Guided tours adapted for children are organized, as well as workshops where nest boxes are built, objects are made with recycled materials, or research is conducted on the park's living beings. Environmental treasure hunts are also offered, where participants must overcome challenges in different areas of the Casa de Campo park, and even small environmental improvement projects are undertaken where participants collaborate in the park's upkeep.
Throughout the year, the program center events and thematic conferences These events may include talks, roundtables, field trips, demonstrations, activities with specialized associations or organizations, and other activities open to the public.
Programs and activities aimed at students and educational centers
A very important part of the center's work is the programs designed specifically for the education system of the Community of Madrid. From Early Childhood Education to Baccalaureate, a range of activities is offered that allow working on environmental content in a practical way and adapted to each stage.
During the school year, on school days, the following take place guided and self-guided activities These programs are easily integrated into teachers' lesson plans. Many include prior or concurrent training for teachers, as well as teaching materials and supporting documentation to continue classroom work after the visit.
Special attention is paid to ensuring that some of these proposals can be bilingual activities in the natural environmentso that language learning is combined with interpreting the environment, since there are options adapted for centers for special educational needsthus guaranteeing access for all students to quality environmental education experiences.
Furthermore, we work in coordination with other environmental education centers in the region, such as the CEA Caserío de HenaresThese spaces offer their own programs of activities for schoolchildren and other groups. They organize horticultural itineraries such as "The School Garden" for 1st and 2nd grade students, ecological trails such as "Friends of Patorras" for 3rd and 4th grade students, and longer routes or specific workshops for 5th and 6th grade students.
In the case of Caserío de Henares, for example, there are thematic paths and field research The tours cover topics such as insects, bats, responsible consumption, aquatic ecosystems like ponds and lagoons, and unique landscapes like the Piul cliffs. The schedules are usually concentrated in school mornings, in time slots such as 10:30 to 13:00 or 10:30 to 13:30, adapting to the organization of the schools.
Examples of educational proposals and specific workshops
For teachers and schools that want to be a little more specific about the types of activities available, it is helpful to know some examples of educational proposals which are developed both in Casa de Campo and in other centers of the network, such as the aforementioned Caserío de Henares.
With the students of 1st and 2nd grade of Primary EducationHorticultural itineraries like "The School Garden" are very common, where children discover in a highly sensory way how plants are grown, what parts they have, what they need to grow, and how we can care for a garden while respecting the environment. These itineraries combine storytelling, direct observation, and small tasks in the garden.
To 3th and 4th grade of PrimaryActivities include routes such as "Friends of Patorras," which cover several kilometers, or "Insect Research," where the group becomes a team of budding scientists identifying species, observing behaviors, and understanding the importance of these animals in ecosystems. Topics such as bats or Forestry Day can also be explored.
In the courses of 5th and 6th grade of PrimarySlightly longer routes are proposed, such as "Azulones" or "Las lagunas de Velilla," with approximate distances between 4,5 and 6 kilometers, or "Los cortados del Piul," in addition to activities focused on discovering what is hiding in the ponds or reflecting on responsible consumption. Everything is adapted to the students' level and the teachers' objectives.
To preschools and younger participantsThe aim is to create highly sensory experiences and direct contact with nature: gardens with storytelling, simple plantings, short walks among the crops, plant handling games, and highly visual activities. The idea is for children to establish a positive relationship with the natural environment from a very young age.
In the case of people residing in the area or specific groupsWorkshops are often offered that revive ancient traditions and knowledge, such as basket weaving, the making of artisanal soaps, gardening, working with aromatic plants, and other manual activities. These activities connect culture, history, and sustainability, and foster intergenerational exchange.
Associated environmental resources: nurseries, biodiversity centers and observatories
One of the great attractions of the Casa de Campo area is the possibility of visiting, through the center's activities, specialized municipal environmental facilities that would normally go unnoticed by the general public.
These resources include the lepidoptera center, dedicated to butterflies and other similar insects; insect centers and the Manuel Ortego entomological center, where the enormous diversity of invertebrates that inhabit environments such as the Casa de Campo and their role in the ecological balance are studied.
El bird observatory This is another key attraction for birdwatchers. Through guided tours and specific activities, visitors learn to identify species, distinguish their songs, understand their habits, and discover why certain areas of the park are such good refuges for them.
Furthermore, they organize visits to the municipal nursery in the Casa de CampoThese nurseries are where many of the plants used for landscaping and reforestation in different parts of the city are grown. Understanding how these nurseries are managed allows us to better understand the City Council's green policies and the work behind each tree we see planted in the streets or parks.
The environmental education center also collaborates with other resources and facilities of the City Council, weaving a network of spaces dedicated to biodiversity, sustainability and environmental improvement which complement each other. Participating in their programs is a way to explore this network and discover new green spaces in Madrid.
Exhibitions, thematic conferences and informational materials
Throughout the year, the Environmental Education Center of the Casa de Campo organizes Temporary exhibitions These exhibits cover various aspects related to nature, the park's history, fauna, flora, sustainable practices, and current environmental issues. They are regularly updated to ensure the content remains fresh.
The thematic days They are usually dedicated to issues such as urban biodiversity, sustainable mobility, responsible consumption, water management, air quality, the park's cultural heritage, or environmental events marked on the calendar (Tree Day, World Environment Day, etc.). They may include talks, debates, family activities, and guided walks.
In addition to in-person programming, the center has informational materials and teaching resources accessible through their website and printed brochures. A representative example is the quarterly brochure “Habitat Spring 2021”, which compiled environmental education proposals developed not only in the Casa de Campo, but also in other parks and green areas of Madrid.
These types of publications are useful for to have a global vision of the municipal environmental education offeringhelping to choose activities according to the profile of the participants (families, adults, educational centers, associations, etc.) and planning visits during each time of year.
Information can also be requested at the center itself. other initiatives, courses and programs related to sustainability and environmental protection, making it a good starting point for anyone who wants to become more actively involved in environmental issues in the city.
Opening hours and how to visit the center
Access to the Casa de Campo Environmental Information and Education Centre is intended to be comfortable and accessible It is open to the public, with opening hours that vary depending on the time of year. It's advisable to keep this in mind before planning your visit to avoid finding the space closed.
De october to juneThe opening hours are as follows: Wednesdays, Thursdays and public holidays it is open from 10:00 to 14:30; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it maintains these morning hours and, in addition, it opens in the afternoon from 16:00 to 18:30. On Mondays and Tuesdays the center remains closed to the general public.
During the months of July to SeptemberDuring the summer period, the opening hours are simplified: from Wednesday to Sunday and on public holidays, it is open only in the morning, from 10:00 to 14:30, and remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. These hours may be subject to change, so it is advisable to check them beforehand on the municipal website.
All Activities organized by the center are free.However, prior booking is essential. Registration is primarily handled via email. infocasacampo@madrid.es, following the specific registration regulations published on official channels.
For more information, to resolve doubts or to confirm schedules, you can contact the center through the public service telephone number. 91 480 19 57You can contact us via email or in person during opening hours. The center's staff can usually advise you on which activities are best suited to your interests and the time of year.
Reservations, regulations and recommendations for your visit
As places for many of the activities are limited, the early booking This is essential, especially on holidays or weekends. In the request email, please indicate the number of people, approximate ages in the case of families, and any special needs the group may have.
La registration regulations It usually includes aspects such as the deadlines for signing up, the admission criteria in case of high demand, the cancellation policy and the importance of notifying if you are ultimately unable to attend in order to free up the place so that another person can take advantage of it.
For visits with school groups, bookings are coordinated between the school and the environmental education team, adjusting dates, times, and content. Teachers are advised to review the materials and the teaching proposal beforehand to integrate the activity into their annual curriculum.
When visiting the Casa de Campo, it is advisable to bring comfortable clothing and footwearSuitable for walking on dirt roads and nature trails, as well as water, sun protection, or warm clothing, depending on the season. For field activities, it is important to always follow the instructions of the center's staff and respect the park's rules.
Those traveling with children should bear in mind that many activities, even in a safe environment, take place outdoors, so it is essential maintain supervision and to promote respectful behavior towards plants, animals and other visitors.
The experience of visiting the center: a quiet and uncrowded place
Those who have already had the opportunity to do internships or participate in activities in the Environmental Education Center of the Country House They highlight the friendly and professional atmosphere of the team that manages it. Several people who have been there as trainee educators emphasize how much they learned and the care with which they were supported.
Despite being located in such a popular area as the lakeside, the center is usually less crowded than one might expectIt's not uncommon to enter and find a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for strolling through the exhibition at a leisurely pace, pausing at the panels, asking the staff questions, or simply browsing the information on routes and resources within the park.
Many families consider it to be a Perfect place to go with kidsEspecially for those interested in botany, trees, seeds, and animals. The way the content is explained is very visual and interactive, making the visit enjoyable and helping children better understand the importance of caring for the environment.
In addition, the center serves as a reference point for discovering other outdoor leisure options In the Casa de Campo: bike routes, sports meetups, birdwatching activities, races and other initiatives that take into account the environmental value of the park.
Many people who have lived in Madrid for years and had never stopped to go inside agree that, once they discover it, it becomes a place they want to return to, whether for a specific activity or simply to spend a pleasant time before or after a walk around the lake.
For those who live in Madrid or come from elsewhere and want to see not only the classic monuments and museums, but also the greener and more natural side of the cityThis center and its surroundings offer a very interesting combination: Mediterranean nature, history, environmental education and a good dose of fresh air.
With all this, the Environmental Information and Education Centre of the Casa de Campo is consolidated as a This is a key space to understand why this large park is the lung that allows Madrid to breathe.What stories are hidden among its trees and how we can contribute, with small gestures and everyday decisions, to preserving it for present and future generations.
