Field Studies Council - Preston Montford - Shrewsbury

chloe ?. W.

Spent a few days here doing the soils and vegetation survey course for uni. Fantastic facilities to start. The rooms were very clean, great access to toilets, dining room, classrooms, lab and a bar. The staff were all so welcoming, kind and very knowledgeable and the catering team made the most delicious food! The course itself was very enjoyable and I had the best time meeting everyone. I definitely recommend this place for any of the FSC courses and I will myself be visiting again.

Sean A.

Went as part of out university course and stayed for 3 nights. Friendly staff and the guides were very knowledgeable. We had a great coverage of the fundamentals of soils and vegetation sampling techniques for and budding botanists out there (see what I did there). The lab experience was also a great opportunity for hands on practice of the new skills and altogether, the it made for an intense few days. Nice location as well, wish we had more time for a leisurely stroll.

Lauren M.

The level of teaching is unbeatable, Mark and John were both incredible at teaching and ensuring we had everything we needed, answering 1000 questions a day from us! They are happy to accommodate where needed, the other staff members were also lovely. The food is really good! Intense days but well equipped lab and classrooms for fieldwork.

Sarah M.

Awesome week here studying Soils and Vegetation. Mark and Jon are excellent teachers! We were also lucky enough to have Mark's little doggy Rosie assisting us on the last day. Thank you both for your wonderful enthusiasm and expert knowledge/guidance!

Accomodation/meals basic but that's not what we were there for. Rooms fine for getting head down and never went hungry. The teaching alone was worth the price! Can't praise the place enough really.

Thanks again. All the best

Natalie P.

I’ve been to Preston Montford field centre twice now for residential trips that form part of my studies with the OU. Both times have been brilliant and highly valuable to my studies. The grounds are lovely, lush and green. The tutors and lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and patient. The rooms are simple but have everything you need and you certainly won’t go hungry! I’m now trying to plan a reason to go back for more leaning even if my next module doesn’t include an offical field trip!

Becca T.

I came for a field study with my uni course 8/4/22-11/4/22. First impression was lovely, the building looked lovely and the scenery was stunning. I’ve stayed in a few hostels with college and this one beats them hands down. You do have to remember it is a hostel and not a hotel. The bedrooms had bunk beds in and whilst they weren’t super comfy, you get what you pay for and I wasn’t disappointed.
The shower heated up super fast and the building is very warm. The course was run by John who we loved, he was funny and very informed. I learnt a lot and he tried his best to accommodate everyone. They had a little shop they would open on request that had some cute key rings and pencils with animals on that I got for my son. He even helped me secure (at a small extra fee) my own room for the last night as I couldn’t sleep in a shared room.
The food I have to admit is where I was super impressed. All fresh and the chefs are lovely too. We had lasagna with these little potatoes (that I would do the 4 hour drive back just to have again), a chicken curry and a roast over the course of our stay. Lunches are make your own rolls, fruit and cookie with a selection of sandwich fillings, all laid out in the morning for you to make and breakfast was a cooked breakfast (only thing missing was bacon would have made it perfect). Tea and coffee available all day in the kitchens around the site and a muffin in the afternoon. I did not go hungry that’s for sure. I have to admit whilst I ate the meat, the veggie and vegan meals looked incredible too. They took all allergies very seriously and you knew exactly what was in your food.
The lab was well equipped and the whole site very well maintained. They had a little bar they opened in the evening which was nice. Could do with some higher tables and more comfy armchairs but then I might have fallen asleep in there so probably best they didn’t.
A common room with a tv and a table top football table.
Some of the fixings are a little run down but nothing out of the ordinary for a hostel. You really do get your moneys worth but please don’t expect a 5 star hotel or you will be disappointed. I honestly would be very happy to come back and do more field studies here especially if John doesn’t mind me bringing all the Disney songs back again.
I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the staff who helped make our trip so wonderful, in a beautiful setting. John thank you

Langlang X.

Great history program, it was very well planned by the tutors. Friendly staff. Loved the castles and tile-making.
I had my birthday there: received birthday cards, birthday cake and spent a great day with everyone.

Jake S.

Great experience all round, tutors knowledge and fantastic with the students. Accommodation and food are great, and staff are all very friendly. Booking and planning process easy and efficient.