EDDC Education Rangers prepare for busiest summer yet

2017 is set to be the busiest summer season yet for East Devon's two Education Rangers, with more than 60 groups already booked for a day’s outdoor learning experience, enjoying East Devon’s outstanding environment.

Alongside working with school groups, the rangers will also be working with cubs, scout, brownie and rainbow groups and running events such as Fun in the Stream, night walks, bug hunts and rockpooling for local families and visitors.

The Reed Base classroom at Seaton Wetlands and the varied habitat throughout the reserve - which includes a wildlife garden, reed beds, grassy meadows, streams and ponds - provide a range of opportunities for visiting children and families to explore, discover and connect with wildlife.

Working with curriculum advisor, David Weatherly, the Education Rangers are also hosting a primary school teachers' professional development day, which focuses on teaching mathematics outdoors.

Cllr Tom Wright, East Devon District Council's Portfolio holder for the Environment, said: ''East Devon's countryside rangers are an incredibly committed and enthusiastic group of people who recognise the need to make our young people aware of and value our wonderful environment and to inspire them to preserve and improve it for future generations.’’

Education Ranger, Meg Knowles said: ''Spending time learning outdoors has been shown to impact positively on young people’s social and physical development, as well as improving learning outcomes. Time spent outdoors is also hugely beneficial to children’s mental health. We really value the opportunities we have to engage with schools and support them to take their learning outside of the classroom, encouraging young people to connect with wildlife and enjoy time spent outdoors.’’

For more information on the work of the Countryside team visit www.wildeastdevon.co.uk. The Countryside team can be contacted via email: countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 517557.