“It’s nice to be out in the woods with your mates, and what’s really great is you are doing a good deed for Steyning.”
“Mud. In the best way possible, mud.”
“It’s a nice chance to be away from the screen and the views are amazing.”
Watch Year 7 students talk about taking part in a conservation project on the South Downs, clearing dead ash trees and creating new pathways for the public.
The students have been working with the Steyning Dowland Scheme, helping to maintain our beautiful countryside while enjoying the benefits of spending time in nature.
The partnership between SGS and the Steyning Downland Project has been running for more than 10 years and every year each Year 7 tutor group spend a day doing conservation work.
Teacher Christine Humphreys, who accompanies the students on their Downland Days said: “The students get to learn about the local environment, conservation, the safe use of tools and teamwork.”
The school’s boarders have also been supporting the project and recently spent the day planting more than 1,000 saplings in an open area of The Downs, to create a hedge and encourage biodiversity.
The saplings were donated by The Woodland Trust and Steyning for Trees.
Director of boarding, Tom Leighton, said: “The students are leaving a legacy for after they have left the school.”
Watch boarders spend a Saturday morning working hard on The Downs.
