Children from Adisham Primary School recently spent a
day learning how to survive in the wilds of Kent. With the help of Natural
Pathways from Woolage, near Canterbury class 4 built debris shelters and
made cordage and dreamcatchers from natural fibres.
The day took place at Jumping Downs near Barham and was
organised by the Kentish Stour Countryside Project as part of the 'Out on
the Downs' Project. It was the final event of nine that have taken place
since August 2006. The 'Out on the Downs' Project has taken minority
groups or groups from the downland villages in the Canterbury District out
into the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to introduce them
to the area through activities such as walking, survival skills, nature
games and even painting. Groups that have participated are the Swalecliffe
Community Church Youth Group, Finding Your Feet Refugee Youth Group, Kent
Centre for Addictions, Alternative Curriculum Project, Canterbury
Community Art Group, Whitstable Umbrella Group, Riverside Children's
Centre, and Adisham Primary School.
Jumping Downs is a Local
Nature Reserve owned by the Jumping Downs Trust and managed with the
assistance of the Kentish Stour Countryside Project. It is one of the few
chalk grassland sites left in the Canterbury District and is special for
its wildflowers and butterflies.
Comments from Class 4 are attached below:
CLASS FOUR SAY'S:
'The best part of our school trip was when we built
shelters. Our team name was the 'Mighty Squirrels.' We all got dirty! Our
team leader was a very nice person. It was fun and if I was you I would go
there!'
'The most brilliant bit of my day at Jumping Downs was
when we were building shelters. We had a good laugh and lots of fresh air.
It was so fun.'
'We ate in the pouring rain but it was quite good in a
way because we got to experience how other people feel when they are lost
in the woods!'
'The best part of the day was building the shelters and
the dream catchers. The shelters were so cool. You built the shelters out
of twigs and leaves. How cool. The dreamcatchers looked like spiders
webs!'
'The best part of the day was building the shelters and
working together as a group!'
'That was the best school trip I have ever been on
because we did exciting things. My favourite part was when we went up the
hill because it was really peaceful!'
'I liked building the shelters best because it was
really fun and I learnt something from it. I
really want to go again!'
MRS SIMPSON SAYS:
'My class thoroughly enjoyed their day in the woods with
Natural Pathways. It was wonderful to see the children outside the
classroom, interacting with each other in the natural environment. The
children were quite amazed at some of the things they learnt, particularly
the shelter building and dream catcher making. I believe it is one school
trip that they will remember for a very long time. Thank you again for a
truly wonderful day!'
………………………………………………………..
The 'Out on the Downs' Project was funded by the Kentish
Stour Countryside Project from their European Inter Regional Development
Fund (ERDF) grant and the Kent Downs AONB Unit.
Kentish Stour Countryside Project:
01233 813307 www:kentishstour.org.uk
Natural Pathways specialise
in Survival Bushcraft and Nature Awareness Courses
