Cherwell Enrichment Medieval Manuscript Project:- Pages 34

Medieval Manuscript Project

Academic Enrichment @CherwellEnrich

Contact: Miss Richer (cricher@cherwellschool.org)

A Night In Wytham Woods

Academic Enrichment @CherwellEnrich

Contact: Miss Richer (cricher@cherwellschool.org)

A Night In Wytham Woods…

A group of twelve students in Year 11 and twelve students in Year 12 spent a night camping in the woods in Wytham, a chance to unwind from a challenging year in a relaxed environment, reconnect with nature and explore with a new group of people.

Dr Kim Polgreen, Youth Educator in Residence (and Cherwell parent!) invited us to spend 24 hours in the solitude of the woods. We began with a talk from Nigel Fisher, Conservator of Wytham, about the history of the woods and the challenges of conserving them for the future. We then took a leisurely walk with cameras, notebooks and pens, recording observations, sketching and slowing down to notice the vibrancy and life around us. After regrouping over tea and cake, we prepared our tents,

A Night In Wytham Woods

Academic Enrichment @CherwellEnrich

Contact: Miss Richer (cricher@cherwellschool.org)

explored a little and heard from researchers about their tree survey. We enjoyed a BBQ dinner (complete with Year 12 culinary adaptions and experiments) before setting up a campfire and toasting marshmallows into the evening.

The Year 11 trip coincided with the England semi-final, so some students crouched over Mr Mulvany’s phone to stream it live, whilst others spent the night badger watching. A silent vigil over their sett was rewarded with some close encounters!). We added to an impressive wildlife tally by listening to bat chatter with radar sensors.

Ms Caldwell tackles the woods in a suit!

Before turning in for the night, we set up moth traps and we were lucky to be taught about the moths we gathered by researchers in the morning. The Year 12 trip benefited from an impromptu talk and live display on ticks—after one embedded itself rather firmly in Miss Richer’s arm...

After breakfast, we took a final walk through the private research meadows before returning to school—rejuvenated, inspired and motivated to get out again in the summer!

Thanks to Dr Polgreen for arranging such a magical, unique and unforgettable opportunity, to Mr Mulvany and Mr Ingram for camping alongside us and to Ms Caldwell for driving us!

Some reflections: "She returned this morning having had a fantastic time! She loved the interesting talks, walks and especially raved about the BBQ! What’s more, she said the trip has really helped to inspire her further with her art through the nature photos she was able to take. It’s so lovely to see her happy and filled with positivity."