Our Wonderful Woodland

Golden Grove School-Ysgol Gelli Aur pupils have been making the most of their woodland area behind the school. Over the past year, there have been a number of developments taking place which have allowed access to more parts of the wood.

Groups of Year 4 pupils have  been working with Greenlinks to create a board walk path over a piece of damp ground, bug hotels and twig and leaf houses, cleared areas and  most recently a bird hide which is near completion. They have also started a project to identify and measure the various trees in the mixed woodland which was established in around 1970.  

One species recently found in the wood was an apple tree, complete with a good crop of eaters, the pupils were able to sample fruit at its very freshest and the discovery provided an impromptu discussion about food, food sources and the importance of bees as pollinators.

Part of the Greenlinks based project is to record the wildlife present in the area. So far this year, we have recorded 10 species of bird. Two species of mammal and numerous species of insect, the most recent finds have been a Red  Line Quaker moth and a Yellow Lady Bird which was found to be uncommon (not rare) in the area. The identification of the Quaker was made with the help of The Open University iSpot website, many thanks DD the expert who helped. On completion of the hide the groups will be moving on to making feeders and to erect a bird of prey pole.

The school has recieved help from Opticron UK who have kindly donated a telescope and tripod for use in bird spotting and wildlife watching.

Plans are in hand for a new gate to be constructed at a newly established entry point and pathway through the woods. Away from the woods, we will also be planting a hedge courtesy of The Woodland Trust who have donated 105 mixed plants. 

A busy and industrious few weeks with the extended hours provision art club had led to some further work being done in the woods. Artistic pieces made from clay and other materials  have been added to the trunks of trees and a future project will see more art from a different group appearing there.

The school makes extensive use of the woodland area for teaching and study and have the use of a round house for seating and shelter. All the pupils enjoy their  time in the woods and as one  Foundation Phase pupil said so eloquently: "It's like being in the classroom, but not."

Headteacher Les Johnson said: "Our woodland has grown to be a most useful area for study and other school based activities. The various activities taking place there certainly enhance the pupils understanding of their environment. The school has recieved help from Opticron UK who have kindly donated a telescope and tripod for use in bird spotting and wildlife watching."