Reggie Razorbill is ready to fly back into county junior schools later this year after the success of the first 'challenges' set by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Over 30 schools and 1,145 pupils took part in the first series of team challenges arranged by the Park Authority as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2002.
Reggie's Special Challenge uses the nickname given to the National Park's Razorbill emblem and involved two teams from each school, totalling up to 30 pupils, per session. They took part in a series of activities designed to test pupils‚ knowledge and practical skills.
National Park rangers Carol Owen, Libby Taylor, Phil Lees, Ian Meopham, Tim Jones and Richard Vaughan and water ranger Duncan Brown led various sessions. Activities included naming local birds and the foods they eat, answering simple questions on the National Park and on access, footpaths and countryside safety. Practical tasks were a timed challenge to make up a giant jigsaw of Pembrokeshire and assembling mini stiles and walk fingerposts.
National Park education officer, Steve Drinkwater, who devised the games along with the rangers, said: "The challenge is aimed at raising awareness of the National Park and its special qualities and helping pupils gain more knowledge and understanding of the Park and the county.
"Schools across the county responded enthusiastically to the challenge. Individual teachers assisted greatly by helping the children to improve their knowledge of Pembrokeshire.
"Several of the schools said that the challenge was one of the most enjoyable and memorable indoor activities that their pupils had undertaken in recent months.
"Building on this excellent response, both in terms of numbers and appreciation, the Park Authority has undertaken to make Reggie's Challenge part of its permanent schools programme - available to schools on request."
Bookings for a 'Reggie' visit‚ and other activities are available from the National Park Education Service on 01437 771456.
Schools taking part were: Ysgol Bro Dewi, St. Davids; Croesgoch; Mathry; Hayscastle; Wolfscastle; Goodwick; Ysgol Bro Ingli, Newport; Ysgol Llandudoch; Ysgol Tredafydd, near Scleddau; Roch CP.
Johnston CP; Hook CP; St. Aidan's, Wiston; Haverfordwest VC; Mary Immaculate, Haverfordwest; St. Mark's, Merlins Bridge; Redhill Preparatory, Haverfordwest; Milford Haven Junior; Hubberston VC; Neyland Junior; Broad Haven CP.
Pembroke Dock Community; Pennar Junior; Lamphey CP; Cosheston CP; Stackpole VC; Orielton CP; Pentlepoir CP; St. Florence; Stepaside; Tavernspite.