YOUNGSTERS from Stourport schools were among those who enjoyed a day of exploration on Hartlebury Common.

Severn Academies Educational Trust (SAET) and Hartlebury Common Local Group (HCLG) worked in partnership to bring 200 Year 4 pupils from schools together for the event to promote conservation.

It also helped promote children to value the historic public green space and help them develop and apply what they learned as part of their science curriculum.

During the day, children experienced a range of interactive learning, including: pond-dipping, bug-hunting, a mindfulness scavenger hunt, following the Heather Trail and a quiz.

Children from five primary schools were actively involved in a fun-packed day with over 20 Learning Ambassadors from Stourport High School providing assistance to the large number of HCLG volunteers.

SAET schools involved were Stourport Primary Academy, St Bartholomew’s CE Primary, Wilden All Saints CE Primary, Hartlebury CE Primary and Wolverley Sebright Primary.

The ‘Hartlebury Common – Heathland for All’ was arranged after the group received a Big Lottery Fund grant to set up.

Dr Joy M Rooney, founder and Chair of Hartlebury Common Local Group said: “The volunteers and I are so pleased that the planning of this large event, initially through running a pilot event involving St Wulstan’s Primary School in June, has now reached its fruition.

“Thanks are due to Worcestershire County Council, Countryside Service, for their kind co-operation and even being there to direct coaches to Lower Poollands car park.

“Also, to the SAET leaders without which this event would never have happened, all of our volunteers and, lastly, to all of the students participating.”

Ian James, Director of Performance & Partnerships, Severn Academies Educational Trust, added: “We are extremely grateful to the Hartlebury Common Local Group for enabling a large number of children within our family of schools to not only access this important local Site of Special Scientific Interest but also for the learning resources provided to help our children develop their understanding of the wildlife and natural environment on our doorstep.

“On behalf of all our schools, I would like to thank the many volunteers involved for their time and expertise to ensure our children gain a better understanding of the local importance of Hartlebury Common.”