As part of their summer term topic of ‘growing,’ reception year pupils from Mount Hawke Academy had an opportunity to get some hands-on outdoor experience at Trewithen Gardens.
Led by Head Gardener, Gary Long, they explored the garden, discovered that many of the trees and shrubs originally came from Asia and completed a Champion Tree hunt using a dedicated map.
The garden is famous throughout the world for being the perfect growing environment for camellias and is one of only five international camellia gardens of excellence in the UK. Trewithen is also home to 20 champion trees — either the tallest or widest of their species in the country.
Reception teacher, Vicky Oswick, said: “Gary spent time telling us about the different types of plants and trees and guided us through the gardens. He was very informative, friendly and helped to make the visit a great experience. Everyone on the trip — children and adults — talked about what they’d seen for some time afterwards.”
“Outdoor learning plays a huge part at the school and it was great to be able to incorporate a visit to the gardens with this. Being able to utilise the fantastic surroundings that Cornwall has to offer the children is paramount in being able to learn through real and exciting opportunities.”
Head Gardener Gary said “We always enjoy sharing the garden with children from local schools, they’re an appreciative audience. Some of the Mount Hawke pupils told me they’d never been to a wooded garden before and they clearly had a fantastic time running around and getting to grips with the trees. It was a pleasure to watch them.”
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