CHILDREN from Grange Junior School took part in a Woodland Discovery Day at Stratton Wood today.

Ninety pupils from Year 3 in the Grange Federation – which includes both Grange Junior and Infant schools – spent the day learning about the woodland wildlife and ecosystem, and interacting with nature.

Emma Wilson, Assistant Headteacher at the Grange Infant School, said: “It was absolutely lovely, they had a wonderful time.

“It’s just fantastic to be having that outdoor experience and getting a bit of exercise and just learning to respect our natural heritage. It also plays an important role in our curriculum.”

During the day, pupils practiced arts and crafts, where they made faces from clay decorated with leaves and feathers, which were left in the woods for people to find.

They also learned about the different kinds of trees in the woods through a game. Pupils were blindfolded then told to use their other senses to ‘see’ the tree before they were taken a little way off and had to find their way back to the same tree.

As part of the day, children either walked from their school to the wood or walked the return journey, which is a couple of miles away from the school.

Sarah Stebbing, Woodland Trust site manager, said: “By working with children from a young age we can build up their awareness of native trees, which is crucial in developing a long lasting affinity and love for our woods. Stratton is a great local amenity and we have a number of events planned for the rest of the year for people to take part in.”

The day was part of an activity programme run by the Woodland Trust thanks to funding from Swindon Borough Council.

It forms part of the Council’s Community Forest initiative, which aims to increase the number of people who visit the 53-hectare wood.

On Sunday staff from the Woodland Trust will hold Talk In The Barn, a discussion about the further improvements planned for the wood at Stanton Park, from 10.30am to noon.