Tireless children head into woods for conservation work

A total of 45 Year 6 pupils from Clavering Primary School spent two days working in Wynyard Woodland Park towards their John Muir Award.

It is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places that encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

Neil McAvoy, Clavering Primary School deputy headteacher who leads the John Muir Award, said: “Every year, our John Muir Award participants complete conservation work at the start of the academic year that will benefit over 2,000 children during the next 12 months; plus, even more importantly, all of the plants and animals that live in the environment that we have been conserving.

“At Clavering, we believe that some of our best provision for the wellbeing of our children and the wellbeing of our planet is immersing our children in nature at every opportunity.”

To gain the award the children will complete a range of challenges in various wild environments whilst also learning about conservation.

Mr McAvoy added: “Throughout their time at Clavering they have embraced opportunities for outdoor learning and adventures and are positive examples of the importance of exposing children to nature and exciting outdoor activities.

“We are proud that Clavering pupils embrace the opportunity to learn outdoors, be adventurous in wild spaces and work hard as active conservationists.

“After all, if children are not connected to the environment, how will they learn about, understand and take care of it?”

The youngsters worked tirelessly alongside Clavering staff members and instructors Andrew and Tom from the West View Project.

Clavering holds John Muir Award Provider status and the set of children are the seventh to work towards the prestigious environmental award.

Any schools or groups interested in learning more about the John Muir Award should contact Mr McAvoy on (01429) 422088 or visit www.jmt.org/jmaward-home.asp