CROWDS of primary school children visited Duchy College at Stoke Climsland's annual countryside day recently to learn about the environment.

Four local primary schools — Delaware, Trekenner, Coads Green and Stoke Climsland — took part in the day which included activities such as storytelling in the woods, parachute games, creative studies and educational tasks which were provided by some of the students from the national diploma in countryside.

These activities were based on the theme of wildlife conservation and sustainability. The whole event was organised by second year students studying the foundation degree in rural environmental management, which is approved by the University of Plymouth. The college campus was divided into twelve different zones and the team employed other students as guides conducting tours of the zones for each school group.

A number of guest organisations took part, including South West Lakes Trust, Plymouth Museum and West Country Rivers Trust. Activities were also delivered by the RSPB and the Woodland Trust. Ginsters supplied 250 pasties on the day for exhibitors and guides.

Head of Duchy College Andrew Counsell said: 'Countryside day is a great opportunity for our students to work together to organise and run a logistically complex event, while providing an inspirational and educational day out for local primary school children.'