Local school children get closer to nature

Last month over 200 school children braved the winter snow and rain to join the South Devon National Trust Rangers for their fortnight of schools activities.

Year 5 and 6 pupils from seven local schools travelled to the National Trust sites at East Soar Farm and Wembury beach, where stream and pond dipping, gorse cutting and scavenger hunts were all on the agenda.

The first week, which was unseasonably cold, was held at East Soar Farm, with Kingsbridge, Loddiswell, Malborough and Stokenham primary schools all attending. Thankfully the team had use of the East Soar Farm Experience camping barn, which gave the groups some needed shelter out of the biting wind. Although it was cold, all the groups had an enjoyable day and learnt a lot about their local coast and countryside.

The second school week consisted of Wembury, Newton Ferres, Yealmpton and Brixton primary schools. The pupils all enjoyed the same tasks with an addition of toasting marsh-mellows around a fire, and mini raft building.

At the end of the day a raft race down the stream to Wembury beach was held and the group thoroughly enjoyed cheering on their rafts, with many visitors at the beach coming over to cheer them along as well.

South Devon countryside ranger Lorna Sherriff explains: "It is great to get the children out of the classroom to experience the beautiful countryside and to make them aware of wildlife and habitats around them.

"The children were amazed by the amount of life in the stream and ponds, even in this cold weather. The groups loved using the loppers to cut the gorse and each group got very competitive trying to cut down more than the previous team. 

"We are looking forward to working with the children again in our June school weeks, where they will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beautiful countryside they have in their local area."

The children also took part in a coaster design competition, where they were challenged to draw what they had most enjoyed about the day onto the template. The best 10 will be produced into coasters to be used at East Soar Farm tea room and other local establishments, so keep a look out for them.