SCHOOLCHILDREN in West Devon had a great surprise ? and some wild education ? when they went down to the woods this week. The pupils from Okehampton and Hatherleigh primary schools enjoyed ?A Spring into the Forest? at Cookworthy Forest Centre at Cookworthy Moor near Beaworthy. The event was organised by Glyn Bradbury of the Forestry Commission and Jennie Hale of Workshop Under the Sky and the project was funded by the Forest Education Initiative, West Devon Borough Council and the Forestry Commission. Pupils enjoyed a raft of art and wildlife activities when they joined foresters, artists and scientists to explore and experience the diverse forest flora and fauna. On the Saturday the event, to coincide with BBC?s Springwatch, was open free to the public, when people could discover the delights of pond dipping, moth traps, small mammals, beetles and insects, guided walks, photography exhibitions, activities and games. Helping out were scientists from the University of Plymouth, Ecotox and Natural England. The event was all about helping children to learn about wildlife using scientific monitoring techniques including mammal traps, moth traps and then using art and working with professional artists to study the animals in closer detail and committing their likeness to paper. Recreation Ranger Glyn Bradbury told the Times: ?We organised this event so that local people and children could get a better understanding of the wildlife that uses our forests and to promote the facilities that are available at Cookworthy Forest. ?A new boardwalk was built by local volunteers STOC (Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group) and a new compost loo has been installed. These facilities, along with the iron age roundhouse are available for groups to use and enjoy all year round.? He thanked West Devon Borough Council and Forest Education Initiative for supporting and funding the project.
