CHILDREN from a West Devon primary school experienced a different way of studying the environment recently, thanks to a brand new project set up in the borough this spring.
The children at Milton Abbot School took part in a two-day Workshop under the Sky, in which they worked from a yurt, or nomadic tent.
Studying under the guidance of local artist, potter and naturalist Jennie Hayle, the children took it in turn to go pond dipping in the school?s wildlife pond.
Several newts, dragonflies, mayflies and tadpoles were found and identified, with the most excitement being reserved for the discovery of a fully grown Great Diving Beetle.
All the pond discoveries were sketched with the children receiving help with their drawing skills from Jennie.
The following day, a variety of craft projects took place, when the children made felt pictures of ponds, swamp monster face masks and enjoyed stories themed on ponds and river life.
Workshops Under the Sky takes its yurt to wherever anyone would like a workshop held. Groups learn to look at the world around them with new eyes and there is the chance to draw from life and explore a wide range of art processes, using recycled materials where possible.
The project has been supported by a wide range of bodies including Dartmoor National Park, WestDEN, West Devon Borough Council and Butterfly Conservation, Devon Waste Management and the Forestry Commission.
For more information on workshops available, call Jennie Hale, 01822 860287 or go to http://www.workshopunderthesky.co.uk">www.workshopunderthesky.co.uk