Out of the classroom and into nature

'In the Footsteps of the Romantic Poets' helps children and young people think creatively, taking inspiration from their surroundings and explore the outdoors; helping them understand and connect with their landscape and local heritage sites.

120 pupils from across Somerset got the opportunity to be transported to such places, including Cothlestone Hill, Great Wood, Holford and Triscombe Stone, all parts of the Quantock Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Here the children walked, observed, recorded and appreciated their locality, gaining a broad understanding of landscape as something felt and not just seen.

Using sketchbooks, journals and photography, the children explored the natural world, identifying species and habitats, experiencing talks from rangers and walks with artists.

Drawing from the landscape, the children were inspired by poetry and natural finds; sitting in Wordsworth’s garden, using oak gall ink as the poets would have done.

For young people this will develop visual arts and creative writing skills, increase knowledge about their locality and the natural world and raise awareness of how it has, and will, change through time. By getting outside and exploring the locality beyond their schools the project will inspire a sense of place and build links with the communities in and around the AONB that will last long after the LPS has ended.

‘Seeing the children totally immersed in the landscape: absorbing the environment, trying new skills, listening attentively, laughing and having fun!’ Mrs P! (Crowcombe at Great Wood)

I loved the idea of using the greenery and mud to create backgrounds in their sketchbooks and the chalking in The Drove was beautiful! (Eastover at Triscombe Stone)

Thank you for another brilliant day. (Elmwood at Cothelstone Hill)

What is 'In the Footsteps of the Romantic Poets'?

Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Quantock Hills will provide a focus for pupils to explore, make and play outside as part of The Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme led by The Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Spaeda are delighted to be helping schools and cultural partners to work together on this ground breaking project.

You can find out more about how the Quantocks Landscape Partnership Scheme is working with local schools, find creative resources for outdoor learning and watch the project's progress here