What a wonderful morning our Year 4 and 5 pupils experienced at Dawlish Warren recently. This visit marked the culmination of our exciting partnership with the Exe Estuary Partnership, and it was truly a memorable way to conclude this enriching series of workshops.
During their time at this precious coastal environment, our pupils discovered the complexity of managing such a special place. They used maps to identify different zones – those that are ‘protected’, ‘vulnerable’, and ‘important’ – which really helped them grasp the intricate work involved in conservation. Walking across the spit and exploring the various habitats that make Dawlish Warren so unique, the children gained a real sense of why this area matters so much.
A particular highlight was witnessing two fascinating demonstrations. The first showed how waves erode our coastline, whilst the second revealed the preventative measures we can put in place to protect our coastal towns. These practical examples brought the children’s learning to life in a way that classroom teaching simply cannot replicate.
What has impressed us most throughout this three-part project is how our pupils have genuinely engaged with the vulnerability of the estuary. They have made that vital connection that we all have our part to play in protecting this special environment for future generations. This is exactly the kind of learning we hope to inspire at Cockwood Primary – understanding that our actions matter and that we are custodians of the world around us.
We are grateful to the Exe Estuary Partnership for their excellent work with our pupils, and to our staff for facilitating such meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
