BISHOPS Castle Community College year seven students had a great day out in the local woods, including learning how safely to fell and tidy up a tree using only bow saws and loppers.

They worked in small teams and were instructed by Gary Cowell, of Knighton Tree Allotments Trust.

Another activity was ‘Wildlife Roleplay’ with Jenny Ogden where students enacted interviews taking on the identity of pollinating insects.

The third activity was ‘An Eye for Detail’ with Toni Pettit who sent the students searching for specific trees and plants she had given clues for in mysterious little paper bags.

The project was hosted by local charity Lightfoot Enterprises, who joined in and helped with the activities. It was a ‘taster’ session for the enrichment activities the students can choose in the autumn term over eight weeks. The project is supported by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

“The best thing today was learning how to cut a tree in the direction you want it to fall. It was fun when we used the tools to cut the smaller branches. The funniest thing was watching the others wearing flower hats and bee hats,” said one of the students involved.”

Alison Weeks, of Lightfoot, said: “Thanks to Helen Plastow and the team of staff from the school who were there on the day organising and helping to make sure everyone got the most out of the day.”

STUDENTS are pictured engaged in the activities for the Woodland project day.