Reception’s Wild Adventure at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
Reception pupils set off on an unforgettable outdoor adventure to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve - a day filled with discovery and hands-on learning in nature. Excitement buzzed in the air from the moment the children stepped onto the coach, an experience that many declared a highlight of the day! On arrival, the group were warmly welcomed by Gail, a knowledgeable guide, who led us through the stunning landscape of the reserve.
After a quick snack at the picnic tables to fuel the intrepid explorers, the group set off on their first expedition of pond dipping. The walk to the pond was a wonderful educational experience as the children delighted in birdsong, spotted insects along the path, and learned an unforgettable fact - "the lake is 13 buses deep!" Along the way, a spontaneous Pooh Sticks race across a wooden bridge added a moment of joy, bringing to life a beloved storybook memory straight from the Hundred Acre Wood.
At the pond, armed with nets, magnifying glasses and identification sheets, the children eagerly discovered a hidden world beneath the surface. Small creatures were carefully collected, studied, and gently returned - an early lesson in respecting nature and all its inhabitants, which Gail beautifully reinforced throughout the session.
After a busy morning of discovery, the children enjoyed their delicious, packed lunch prepared by the catering team, followed by some well-deserved time to play. Refreshed and raring to go, the children were fascinated by a session all about beavers and their dams. Gail was especially impressed by the children’s prior knowledge and insightful questions. Working in teams, Reception pupils then constructed their own miniature dams - testing them with water to see whose creation stood strong sparking proud smiles and plenty of cheering.
The return journey was filled with animated chatter and storytelling as the children relived their favourite moments. From pond creatures to bus-deep lakes and dam-building experiments, it was a truly enriching day of exploration, learning and fun!
