A local primary school recently teamed up with the Devon Wildlife Trust to work on an exciting hands-on project.

Shaugh Prior Primary School is delighted to have been involved in the ‘Magnificent Mires Project’ with the Devon Wildlife Trust, who work with schools and local communities in encouraging them to celebrate their local bogs.

The project is organised by the Devon Wildlife Trust, and supported by the Dartmoor National Park Authority, Dartmoor Preservation Association and the Duchy of Cornwall.

Jasmine Atkinson, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “Magnificent Mires is helping the people of Dartmoor reconnect with their wonderful bogs.”

There were plenty of hands-on activities for pupils to enjoy, including learning about the history and importance of the peat bogs, taking part in den building and hiking to the peat bogs. Despite the appalling weather, the children remained upbeat, enthusiastic, and good-humoured.

A pupil at the school, Lucia, said: “My favourite thing was roasting marshmallows and building dens in the wood.”

Year two pupils also enjoyed a stay at Runnage Farm, which is funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and were lucky enough to have a talk from the owners, Christine and Phil, about the importance of the peat bogs to their farm.

Gill Gilmartin, head of Shaugh Prior Primary School, said: “This was an amazing experience that the children will never forget and has enhanced their understanding of the delicate balance of their local environment and how they, and others in their community, impact its preservation.”