Living Land 2024
BASC’s Fliss Winters and Rachel Swansborough report on a rewarding day of fun and learning for 3,000 schoolchildren in Kent.
Schoolchildren go wild for countryside learning
Pupils from six Sussex schools enjoyed lessons outdoors on a recent nature day hosted by BASC and Countryside Learning.
Around 180 children from primary schools in West Sussex recently visited Parham Estate, set at the foot of the South Downs, for the countryside classroom event.
The event was organised by BASC and Countryside Learning, an educational charity which works with UK rural estates and businesses to get children outdoors. BASC’s other associations with Countryside Learning include Let’s Learn Moor, the UK’s largest upland education initiative, which is primarily based around the north of England.
The Sussex schools event saw the children learn about deer management, working dogs, game and wild birds, management of South Downs National Park and rural crime.
Deer, birds and dogs
Parham Estate proved an ideal setting for the day, with its herd of wild fallow deer providing the focus for a lesson on the UK’s six deer species and why careful management is necessary.
The children were also introduced to the nesting habits of different birds, from gamebirds to pest species, before rolling up their sleeves to make feeders to take home for their gardens.
Staff from the South Downs National Park gave an overview of the area’s nature and history, while officers from Sussex Police’s rural crime team kept the group engaged with stories from the field and a look at the kit they use to tackle crime in the countryside.
The day ended with a demonstration by Valmorah Gundogs , showing the skill and obedience of trained working dogs in action.
A country-wide programme
BASC and Countryside Learning work together to put on educational events – such as this one – across the country.
Michelle Nudds, BASC South East regional director, said: “Our work with Countryside Learning gives schools a unique opportunity to bring lessons outdoors. Teachers see the benefit straight away, and pupils leave with a stronger connection to the countryside and an understanding of how to enjoy it responsibly.”
John Galvin, headteacher of Petworth School, said: “Our children found the whole experience wonderful. They thrived with the hands-on activities, the experts presenting and the learning was accessible for all. The children were encouraged to develop their knowledge of the countryside and conservation work that BASC, South Downs National Park and the Police do every day. This is a learning opportunity which every school should grab with both hands.”
If you would like to know more about BASC to School, head to our dedicated pages here.
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