Posted on: Thursday 5th December 2019
On our final full day in the stunning Lake District National Park, both groups visited Paul's farm as part of the conservation element of the John Muir Award. After meeting Paul, a passionate farmer and conservationist, we got up close and personal with the cattle in order to feed and water them before hopping on the tractor trailer, where Paul gave us a grand tour of his land. This was our opportunity to give something back to the countryside in which we have had so much fun and enjoyment this week: we sorted and planted beech and oak seeds in the hope that they would grow and flourish, providing a safe habitat for a variety of birds in the future; we cut an area of invasive gorse bushes, placing them on a bonfire in order to clear the way for the cattle so that they could graze here safely in the spring; and we were lucky enough to spot several live herons as well as watching the peacocks feed hungrily on the cattle grain.
Group 1 also took some time with our instructor to reflect on the week and the four aspects of the John Muir Award: discover, explore, conserve and share. Following this, we completed an orienteering task within the grounds, where we used and developed our map skills to orientate and locate several well-hidden and unusual markers, which included a garden fork, a brick, a mallet and even a kettle!
Meanwhile, group 2 ventured into Honnister Gorge to scramble our way over large rocks, trees and deep pools. We needed all of our team-working skills to ensure the group had a safe yet adventurous journey. After a quick shower - under a heavy waterfall - our final challenge was to crawl through a dark tunnel, full of rocks and gushing water. Dripping wet and freezing, but totally exhilarated, we headed back to the centre for a well-deserved and much-needed shower.
Tonight, we all enjoyed a delicious Christmas roast with all the trimmings, which finished off what has been a magnificent week for everyone here!
The children have had a wild and wonderful week! They have developed their independence as well as team-work (including communication and leadership) skills, resilience, perseverance, trust, honesty, respect and self-confidence. We - Mrs Huntingdon and Mrs Vernon - are very proud of the children and their ability to remain mature, positive and resilient throughout a challenging week away from home.
We'll check in again tomorrow - IN PERSON - see you around 4/5pm! We're off to play one EPIC game of hide and seek before bed!
Goodnight from Y5/6, Mrs Huntingdon and Mrs Vernon :)
