On Tuesday 26th March, Year 3 and 4 visited Gatton Park in Redhill to participate in two workshops complementing their learning in school.

In the morning they did ‘Woodland Explorers’ to support their learning in our Wellbeing Curriculum. After an initial discussion on habitats and the invertebrates/minibeasts which might be found in the woodland the pupils walked through Gatton Park to the woods. Minibeast hunting took place in various areas of the woodland. The pupils worked in small groups, with an adult, and explored different habitats within the woods using magnifying glasses, specimen pots, brushes and sweep nets. The number and location of invertebrate/minibeasts found were recorded by each group. The children then participated in a “Build-a-minibeast” activity by randomly choosing three parts of a mini-beast focussing on how and where their “new” species will live and survive. Each group then gave a short talk on their minibeast, describing it, and showing how it is adapted to its environment.

In the afternoon, the children took part in an Environmental Art workshop. The children created a large scale, collaborative sculpture and installation in the outdoor environment of Gatton Park.  Taking inspiration from the artist Agustin Ibarrola they painted colourful patterns on tree trunks; built stacks in response to Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains; used textiles to weave patterns through the woods based on Edith Meusinier’s work; collected natural materials and created hanging pieces inspired by the work of Rebecca Louise Law and Rune Guneriussen and devised a mirrored woodland walk in the style of Rob Mulholland.

The children had a wonderful day which really helped them to develop their appreciation and understanding of the great outdoors!