Bexhill High pupils on nature trail

The school was approached by John Bailey of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers with the offer of working together on an initiative to transform 13.6 acres of woodland at South Wood, which is just off Potmans Lane.

He suggested taking a group of Year 11 students one day a week so they could help turn an existing neglected trail into a favoured habitat for insects and animals, including three endangered species - dormouse, pearl bordered fritillary, and the stag beetle.

The woodland is owned by National Grid and managed by the Bexhill School consortium and the BTCV. It is home to many plant and tree species including dog's mercury, hazel, sweet chestnut, and butcher's broom.

As well as learning woodland management skills, such as planting and protecting young trees, the young people taking part will also achieve Open College Accreditations which will help towards future employment.

John, who is BTCV Kent and East Sussex Field Project Officer, said: "This project is an excellent opportunity for the young people of Bexhill High School to take ownership of their local green space, and it will also teach them about their natural environment. The young people will design and create a nature trail that will promote ecological awareness and aid wildlife recognition for all age groups that use it.

"By creating areas of the woodland with open spaces such as coppicing, rides and glades, students of all ages can come into intimate contact with wild flora and fauna, rather than having to read about them in books."

Teacher Sarah-Jane Bigby has been involved with the project and said: "The students are now not only helping to restore the nature trail which will be used for educational purposes by secondary and primary schools in the area, they are also building a sweet chestnut hide that will enable visitors to study many types of wildlife and a close range.

"The students are also taking part in filming a diary and creating an online interactive webpage that will enable them to enhance their media skills and IT knowledge. At the end of the course they will achieve OCN accreditations for their hard work and efforts.

"The students are enjoying this so much that they have even volunteered to work with the BTCV on a couple of days during their Easter holidays. The skills they are acquiring and 'green' knowledge they are gaining from this is something they will take with them throughout their lives and hopefully pass on to others."

The students taking part are: Jamie Stretton, Peter Lavender, Marcus Coda, Daniel Oakley, Jack Pascoe, Bradleigh Law, Jamie Goodwin, Andrew Partridge, Daniel Miller and Jonathan Paulin. They have worked at the wood for two entire days already and were even prepared to go during the Easter holiday.

Daniel commented: "I really enjoy it," while Jonathan said: "It is really good - I prefer to do this sort of stuff than sit in the classroom."

For more information about the project or forthcoming activities call John Bailey on 01424 446395.