Steyning Grammar School´s Downland Taskforce
Working hard to change the face of local landscape!
Following the success of last years project, the students from Years 7 and 8 are once again spending a day working on the downland surrounding their school.
All in all this will equal approximately 420 children contributing one day each towards the project.
Between October and March 2009 14 tutor groups of 30 children will all spend one day helping to improve the environment for wildlife and people alike.
This year the youngsters are working on an area called Pepperscombe Bank, which during the past few years has become over run with Ash trees and shrubs.
Pepperscombe Bank
The work, which is being carried out in conjunction with the South Downs Joint Committee, aims to return the area to chalk grassland. Chalk grassland is an important habitat for flowers, insects and butterflies.
Using bow saws and loppers the children are gradually working through the area clearing unwanted trees and scrub.
This is a very worthwhile project and offers the students an opportunity to learn a little about the local countryside and nature conservation. It is good physical exercise and encourages teamwork and social skills, they also gain some simple bushcraft skills.
Christine Humphreys January 2009