On a damp and rainy morning, a group of 25 eager students from Years 7 - 11 visited the Surrey Wildlife Trust centre in Nower Wood, near Boxhill. After a brisk walk uphill from the car park (more steps than some of the teachers were expecting!), we were warmly welcomed by the centre staff and the Centre Manager – Banjo - a very inquisitive and friendly black Labrador - perhaps more interested in our food than in us.

After an introductory talk giving us lots of ideas about how we could individually help wildlife in our own gardens and school, we split into two groups and set off to complete the two activities for the day. One group started off by walking deeper into the wood. But before getting too far - a quick explanation and safety talk on using loppers and bow saws was provided. Then with gloves and safety glasses on, the group headed off to find holly bushes in need of removal. An hour was spent cutting, chopping, sawing and clearing up - with all the bits of holly bush piled into a dead hedge. We mostly managed to avoid the bushes with red berries and there was great excitement when one particularly large specimen was pushed to the ground.

After lunch, the groups swapped activities and a less physical session was completed. This started with pond-dipping (finding a whole array of insects, beetles, shrimp, larvae and even newts). Then students found their own magic spot to sit alone in silence to take in the sounds and sights of the woodland. Finally a lesson in creating a spark and starting a fire saw everyone successfully burn their kindling and as a reward - smores made from toasted marshmallows and chocolate digestives. An excellent day - which has definitely inspired some of our Eco-Club members to investigate possible volunteering opportunities in future. There was something for everyone and we all took away favourite moments and ideas to put into practice back at school or home.