Pupils from Millom School have been getting their hands dirty as part of a forestry restoration project in the Duddon Valley.
They have been planting trees and wildflowers, setting up remote camera traps to observe birds and mammals, and working with local farmers during their six sessions with the Restoring Hardknott Forest project.
Restoring Hardknott Forest is a partnership between Forestry England and the University of Leeds, which is restoring a former conifer plantation to native woodland, peatbogs and other habitats.
The trips were made possible by funding from the Faith in Futures Foundation, a charitable fund set up by the Northern Monk brewery to support community focussed groups and causes.
Cameras set up by the students have already captured footage of red squirrels and roe deer, and the pupils were also able to contribute to the ongoing restoration work on the 630 hectare site by planting oak trees and wildflower species such as ragged robin.
The farm visit included a tour led by Paddy Deady, of Troutal Farm, who was keen to show how fell farming and nature can work well together.
As well as observing brand new ponds, and other areas Paddy is allowing to return to nature, the children were particularly interested to meet some newborn lambs.
Restoring Hardknott Forest project officer John Hodgson said: “We really put the students to work on their visits, and they have planted (and watered) trees and wildflowers for the project, and even helped Paddy with some fencing work.
“What I found particularly inspiring was the respect the group showed for the natural world – with some spontaneous litter picking happening as we walked between parts of the site.”
Millom School teacher Chloe Moore added: “The students have had a fantastic experience working with the Restoring Hardknott Forest project.
“Arriving at the forest is always met with excitement and the students get a real sense of achievement being able to actively contribute to the welfare of local wildlife. Learning about how farming and wildlife conservation can work together has been a particular highlight.”
Northern Monk’s community development manager Edd Gallagher said: “The work that Restoring Hardknott Forest does in educating people about nature and the environment, as well as the fantastic experiences they provide has already had meaningful impact on the team and operations here at Northern Monk.
“Being able to make those incredible experiences available to students at Millom School, helping them spend time learning outside the classroom, engaging with nature and becoming invested in their surroundings, is a source of real pride and shows the best of what we hope the Faith in Futures foundation can achieve.”
