Children are enjoying simple pleasures at the Shades School in Soham where teachers are encouraging them to enjoy things like nature walks and blackberry picking.

Ely Standard: Children from Shades Primary School in Soham enjoy a nature walkChildren from Shades Primary School in Soham enjoy a nature walk (Image: Archant)

Teachers Louise Steventon and Laura Bedwell have been helping children in year one to appreciate the great outdoors as part of a project by the National Trust called ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 and 3/4’.

Louise said: “We have been encouraging the children to have fun outdoors and learn about the environment.

“We have taken them on a walk in the fields from Isleham nature reserve to Fordham where the children have picked blackberries, played pooh sticks and created wild art.

“We have enjoyed leaf rubbings, made trails with sticks and created a hedgehog house in our nature reserve.

“Our next project is an evening event to cook on a campfire, go on a night nature walk and stargazing.

“Technology is taking over everybody’s lives. It’s a good reminder that you can enjoy great activities that don’t cost anything. It’s about going back to basics.”