Kym's Update

[Kymba]

Yet again i have been so busy i haven't been on here for ages, but things are going really well

I did two full Activity days during the last school holidays that were fully booked and the children didnt want to go home when parents turned up to collect them and parents asked me to do more days next time
day one we made scarecrows and they all took them home, we also did tree rubbing, a bug hunt and walk through the woods (off the path ) and started work on Bug Island ( Area we are devoting totally to Bugs,) we made a log pile with logs from the woods, made a mound of dead leaves.
The only problem we had was that it had snowed over the weekend sono bugs to talk of and buds hadn;t developed enough to identify
The day ended with a quiet time playing wildlife games, looking at the insects i had collected with the magazine ( stopped buying it after 15 really disappointed with it) Kids love them Wildlife quizes and colouring in. As well as a lot of discussion about many things through the day.
The second day was warmer so most of it was spent outside. We did a Bug hunt and Identification, Did more to Bug island added a mound of wood chippings from trees and bushes the caretaker had had to remove and chip.
We then did some art and Made a large picture on the wall of a tree with all Rubbings they had done over 2 days then added Bugs and Birds they had painted. We ended the day with a Scavanger Hunt which I kept adding to because they were enjoying it so much.
During my school lunchtime clubs the gardening one have planted 4 different herbs (corriander, parsley, chives, rocket) Carrots, peas, onions, cucumber and Tomatoes (these two were plants all others were seeds) all are growing
They also scattered mixed wild flowers in several places the ones in the planter are doing really well, others not so easy to spot yet! randomly scattered around the school, The flower bed planter is looking great with some bulbs already flowering or flowered and some just starting to appear.
My woodland group are enjoying identifying different plants and trees by their leaves and flowers and watching the wildlife. We have two Blue tits that have nested in our bat box which they think is great. There is a lot of Activity from it all day,some can watch them from the hall and a couple of classrooms.
My Bug group have been a bit unlucky so far because of the weather they have done more research,then bug finding. But this week we went out and they found lots of different Bugs which they had to catch in a bug pot and answer questions on then go and look in books and try and identify their bug before they released them back where they found them. They enjoy going to bug Island and this week found that the small flowerpot Bug Hotel they made is being used or visited by a bee, a lady bird and some small beetles and woodlice.
I am now begining to start up a composting area ( got 2 bins ) and a recycling scheme ( hoping to have up and running properly in sept) and have been asked to help the year 6 with their project of designing of a shelter for wildlife ( bird table with cover or a Hide or something) out of recycled items.
Also been asked to do a piece for school magazine once a fortnight. I am also trying get the school to become a release site for rescued Hedgehogs.So as you can see I dont have much time for me. But I am loving it

I am also looking to arranage a treat for the kids before the end of july of getting someone with some wildlife to come into the school. maybe even a day of visits from various people.. Anyone interested????

Sorry to of gone on a bit. Will take pictures next week and post for you all to see

[Dan Salter]

All sounds brilliant Kybbyah me lord.

Im curious about the magazine you mentioned that u are dissapointed with? was it the Wildlife of Britain one? i gave up after 4!

Also....Scare Crows?.....good fun...but they are not going to be seeing many birds in their gardens now? ha ha

Dan

[Kayleigh]

Wow! you have been busy. There will be loads of bugs coming out now, the birds in my garden were finding lots yesterday. You have really sparked an interest with the kids well done. Look forward to the pics..
Don't forget to get anything IDd you can't find in the books...

[galanthus]

Sounds like they had a groovy couple of days, well done for your hard work and success. Kids remember this kind of thing all their lives

[badgerwatcher]

It all sounds amazing, Kym. The school must be thrilled with you.
Did you know you can get the big compost bins for £10 each from your local council, can here anyway?

[Kymba]

Originally Posted by Dan Salter

All sounds brilliant Kybbyah me lord.

Im curious about the magazine you mentioned that u are dissapointed with? was it the Wildlife of Britain one? i gave up after 4!

Also....Scare Crows?.....good fun...but they are not going to be seeing many birds in their gardens now? ha ha

Dan

Comedian mmmmmmmmm Dont give up your day job
No not the Wildlife of Britain i think that one is really great and so do the kids they use them a lot.
The one i am on about was fortnightly and came with a free insect set in perspex, The quality deteriorated over the weeks and they wouldn't fit in the display cases, they were either to large or to small..and at £4.99 a fortnight!
Its a shame because the kids ask to look at the ones i have got all the time.

The scarecrows were quite spooky because i used baby clothes..




Badger we got two given to us free as part of a scheme for schools
Just have to find somewhere to put them now..

[badgerwatcher]

Those scarecrows scare me!!!!!!

[Jez]

Kymba your projects certainly seem fascinating, educational and a whole lot of fun in the process. I hope you become an inspiration to lots of other folk who wish to encourage wildlife in to there gardens, schools, breathing spaces etc. Keep up the good work. Fab job your doing!

[nightshade]

I am so pleased that it has worked out this well,a reward for all your effort and conviction,I am so pleased for you Kym.
regards nightshade

[nightshade]

Have you done a Bat walk yet

[lol geoff]

Well done Kym, after all your hard work and perceiverence it looks like it's all coming together now.

[Kymba]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Have you done a Bat walk yet

Nooooo It is something i want to do. But I dont know hardly anything about bats (except i adore them). Also dont know If the site would be much good or if it is to small .
I need to find someone in Kent to do it for me for free or very little money .
Bats are one animal I want to learn about and become more involved with.

[nightshade]

Beg, Buy or Borrow a detector get up there around sunset and for an hour or so after and just listen and look