THE?school field at St Mark's Primary School in Morwenstow was transformed into a mass of tents and dens by parents, children and community members last Thursday.

As people arrived, spotter charts and magnifying glasses were used, along with sweep nets in the hedgerow, as young and old enjoyed exploring the extensive school grounds together in search of signs of autumn. As well as investigating the environment, various community members with specialist knowledge, were available to answer questions.

Wendy Heard, who runs a group for children locally called 'Wildlife Watch', made bird feeders, whilst Claire and Steve Ogden, local wildlife (and especially moths) enthusiasts brought slow worms for the children to hold and discuss, and Sue Gear, involved in wildlife rescue, brought in a baby hedgehog.

Half way through the evening, the transformation of the field occurred. Poles, sticks, pegs, rope, cloth, tarpaulins, curtains etc were provided and used to make elaborate dens. All ages worked together in an attempt to ensure their structure stayed up and they could get inside to eat their pasties, served up at the end of the evening.

The equipment for the evening was funded by the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Development Fund, obtained by the school to encourage the community to enjoy and protect the local environment and encourage bio-diversity in the school grounds.

Miss Carol Nesham, a teacher at the school, organised the evening and was delighted with the response and outcome.

She said: "It was so lovely to see children working together with their own and other families, and thoroughly enjoying our beautiful environment."

See this week's 'Post' for more photos from the event.