A group of South Cumbrian pupils have connected with nature at a hands-on event in Hardknott Forest.
The youngsters, from Broughton-in-Furness Church of England Primary School, took part in the event, which was supported by funding from the Lake District Foundation’s Real Hedge Fund.
The visit gave children the chance to see conservation in action within the Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project, a long-term partnership working with farmers, landowners and environmental organisations to restore habitats, improve soil and water quality and help nature recover across the upper Duddon Valley.
Pupils explored the woodland, set up camera traps to monitor wildlife and planted willow pegs along the riverbanks.
The activities helped the children understand how small actions, carried out carefully and in the right place, can contribute to a healthier river system, richer habitats and a more resilient landscape, the foundation said.
Teacher Ross Cousins said: “This was a brilliant learning experience for the children. They were not just hearing about conservation in the classroom, they were out in the landscape, using equipment, planting willow and seeing how their actions could make a difference.
“It helped them understand the links between rivers, woodland, wildlife and people in a really meaningful way. The day sparked so much curiosity and gave them a sense that they can be part of looking after these special places.”
Hardknott Forest is one of the most significant habitat restoration sites in the Lake District.
Once dominated by commercial conifer plantation, the area is being restored into a more natural mosaic of native woodland, bog, scrub and open ground.
John Hodgson, community engagement lead for the Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Broughton Primary to Hardknott Forest and to give the children the chance to be part of the work happening here.
“Nature recovery can sometimes sound like a big, distant idea, but days like this help make it real.
“The children were asking thoughtful questions, looking closely at the landscape and getting stuck into practical work that will support the riverbanks and the wildlife that depends on them. That connection between young people and place is incredibly important.”
Anya Kuliszewski, of the Lake District Foundation, said: “The Real Hedge Fund is about more than planting trees and hedgerows. It is about helping people understand the value of nature recovery and giving communities the chance to play an active role in caring for the landscapes around them.
“Supporting Broughton Primary to visit Hardknott Forest felt like exactly the kind of opportunity this fund was created for. The pupils were able to connect with a major landscape recovery project close to home and see how practical conservation work can help protect Cumbria’s rivers, woodlands and wildlife for the future.”
The Lake District Foundation’s Real Hedge Fund supports practical projects that restore hedgerows, native trees and habitats across Cumbria, helping to reconnect habitats and store carbon
