Primary school youngsters carry out conservation work on the Axe Estuary Wetlands

FAMILIES from Seaton Primary School have received John Muir Conservation Awards for their work at a local nature reserve.

They spent the half term working on the Axe Estuary Wetlands, carrying out practical, hands-on environmental activities.

The award is open to all, and is the educational initiative of the John Muir Trust. Four challenges are at its heart – discover, explore, conserve and share.

Working with education rangers from East Devon District Council, the families took part in activities such as building a minibeast mansion for the smallest creatures on the reserve, carrying out a mammal survey and building Bee boxes to help support the Mason Bee population.

The fourth and final day of award activities was spent working with local artist, Alison Page who helped them to create pictures of their favourite part of the wildlife experience. Natural materials such as grasses and flowers were combined with paints, paper and fabric to create some fantastic pieces of work, which families were very proud to achieve!

Assistant education ranger Meg Knowles said: “It has been a wonderful week of outdoor activities, in the glorious sunshine’ said ‘We have had a lot of great feedback from families taking part, who were really excited to learn about what is out there to be discovered on the Axe Estuary Wetlands.”

Two more John Muir award weeks for families are planned during the school summer holidays. For details about how to take part contact the countryside service on (01395) 517557.