Published on 22nd June 2012

view of Cheltenham town from Leckhampton Hill

On Tuesday 26 June pupils from Cheltenham College Junior School are taking part in a Conservation day on Leckhampton Hill.

The day, which has been organised by Cheltenham Borough Council, Cheltenham College and Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common members (FOLK), will see 64 students taking part in workshops which will provide a hands-on conservation experience.  

Willow weaving, a treasure hunt, a conservation workshop and a team building exercise are just some of the activities the pupils will be involved in. The workshops are designed to provide practical cross-curricular education looking at cultural, historical and ecological aspects. With willow weaving the students will be able to take something away made with their own hands, and the treasure hunt will see the groups having to work out a puzzle which will eventually lead to a GPS co-ordinate, where they will find a prize.

Wayne Sedgwick, senior community ranger at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “We held this event last year and it was a great success. The students have a fun and educational day up on the hill. It’s really hands on and interactive so provides a great learning environment outside of the classroom.”

Matt Dawson, Head of Upper School at Cheltenham College Junior School commented: "This is an excellent opportunity for our pupils to learn about the rich and diverse natural habitats that we have right on our doorstep. It is also an innovative way of combining many different classroom subjects such as history, biology and geography, thereby helping pupils apply their learning in a real-life context."

Mike Donnelly, work party co-ordinator for FOLK, said: “FOLK organise regular work parties on the hill. This particular one will give pupils an insight and the opportunity to be hands on in the maintenance of an area of the hill for the benefit of users, and will also be helping clear an area to increase grassland for wild flowers."

Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainability at Cheltenham Borough Council, commented: “This will be a very informative day for the students, where they will learn new skills and find out more about the key role we all play in conservation.”

For press enquiries contact: Laura Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154 or email laura.carter@cheltenham.gov.uk


Photo opportunity:
There is a photo opportunity between 12pm and 12.50pm (during lunch) on Tuesday 26 June, meeting at Brownstone Car Park; Wayne Sedgwick can transport photographers to the photo location. Please contact Wayne on 07733 014743.