Denbury school pupils clock up the miles for books and conservation
Children from a Devon school have raised money for their school library and Donate for Dartmoor by taking on a unique walking challenge.
Year Six pupils from Denbury Primary School walked more than 13km from Haytor Rocks on Dartmoor back to their classroom and raised £500.
The school's classes are all named after places on Dartmoor so it was apt that pupils of 'Haytor' class walked from the iconic rocks of the same name.
Dubbed the Haytor Rocks to Haytor Class Challenge, it fitted neatly into their learning as they've been studying National Parks this term. Pupils also produced some fantastic posters inspired by Dartmoor's Love Moor Life campaign and Rangers will use them to urge visitors to continue caring for the landscape.
Dartmoor Ranger Ella Briens led the walk with class teacher Mrs Debbie Foxford. They were welcomed by Community and Land Management Ranger Rob Steemson and the walk was officially started by two of the pupils.
Ella Briens said: "We had an absolutely fantastic day on the Haytor Rocks to Haytor Class Challenge. On the way from Haytor Rocks, we visited the granite tramway, dropped by the visitor centre to see their posters displayed and collected some Moor Otters Arts Trail passports for those who want to take part over the summer.
"The halfway stop was on the top of Ramshorn Down, taking in the great views and we enjoyed a cream tea break too! After what seemed like 'a long way down' all the pupils completed the challenge and got back to school just before 3.30pm welcomed by cheers from other pupils!
"We want to say a massive thank you to all of them and their teachers for raising money for Donate for Dartmoor, for their brilliant posters and for a memorable day."
Comments from the pupils included:
"My favourite parts of the walk were the wildlife and all of the teamwork that the class showed. The part that really made me proud of my class mates was when no matter how experienced they were we all completed it and that is a huge achievement."
"I enjoyed the walk because it brought Haytor closer as a group. It is a great achievement to make. When I started the walk I felt that I couldn't do it but when I got to the finish I proved myself wrong."
"It was really fun because we were with our friends and watching all the animals run or fly past us. The adults kept us going, helping and encouraging us."
"I loved the walk it was a great opportunity to get out to see wildlife and everyone was so encouraging."
Debbie Foxford said: "We have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Dartmoor National Park and the work of the Rangers who conserve and enhance the environment.
"As Dartmoor is celebrating its 70th anniversary of being designated National Park, the concept of completing something special as a class was born and following a conversation with Ella this soon cascaded to the Haytor Rocks to Haytor Class challenge!
"Due to the constraints this year we were unable to go on our normal residential at Heatree Activity Centre on Dartmoor but having the opportunity to complete a challenge using a range of skills and endurance has been so beneficial for our students who will be transitioning to their new schools in September.
"The Haytor Rocks to Haytor Class Challenge has to be the best whole class achievement I have been fortunate enough to be involved in. I am so proud of my amazing class! A huge thank you to Ella and Leo for all their support and making the challenge happen and to the best team of helpers: Maz, Lesley, Kate, Rachel."
