Art Lessons From Nature (Contributed)

CHILDREN from Lewknor, Tetsworth and Aston Rowant Primary Schools recently visited Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve for an art lesson with a difference.
Inspired by the work of land artists, the children created their own trees using materials that nature provided.
Children from each of the three schools co-operated to make representations of the different trees found at the reserve using twigs and branches that they had collected. They then voted for their favourite (excluding their own!). Team Four won the honours for the day as their tree looked most like the drawing provided to them. All of the schools were winners however as each took back with them a nest box as a souvenir of the day.

The event was organised by Anne Barr and Cat Villarreal of English Nature, with the aim of promoting the enjoyment and understanding of nature. Cat said: “we certainly achieved this, judging by the excitement on the children?s faces.” Anne added that:”it was great to work with local schools and we?re really grateful for the co-operation of teachers and parents.”
The work of the children will remain on site to inspire others, until nature takes back its materials.