Forest Schools teacher, Miss Elizabeth Boon and the children have been going to St Clements Common in Rushall planting trees and hedges, as well as making native seed bombs to scatter in the area.
Working alongside TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) in the spring term and this summer term, the plan is for the school to continue to work with TCV on new projects in the local area.
Miss Boon said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for the children to use the local area to learn about local flora and fauna, through planting trees the children have really built an understanding and interest of the natural world and sustainability. We have really enjoyed working with TCV and I look forward to developing more projects in the future.”
Mrs Moira Croskell, Headteacher of Dickleburgh Church of England Primary Academy said: “The pupils absolutely loved going over to the Common and working with Bex and were really keen to share what they had done when they got back to school. The activities linked closely with our geography and science curriculum but also our whole school theme of conservation this term. These enrichment activities help to consolidate their learning and understanding, and it was so much fun too!”
Miss Bex Cross from The Conservation Volunteers said: “TCV is a nature conservation charity, working with local communities to protect green spaces for wildlife and for people. We’ve been doing a variety of activities together dependant on the time of year and what is happening in the natural world. In winter we planted hedges, in spring we made native wildflower seed balls and sowed a mini wildflower meadow, whilst always allowing the children the space to explore and learn, inviting them to get to know the trees and wildflowers in their local green spaces.”
Richard Cranmer, CEO of St Benet’s Multi Academy Trust said: “We are very proud of Dickleburgh Church of England Primary Academy in their efforts to learn about the environmental concerns we face.”