Last night, Ben set up a moth trap, carefully prepped overnight, to bring into school to show our young people today. The trap is filled with egg boxes and placed in a dark space whilst its bright lights sit on top, attracting a variety of moths. This new project is a part of our ongoing efforts to explore, support, and understand the wildlife flourishing around our academy.

Ben's expertise in moth trapping, both in gardens and nature reserves is invaluable. His knowledge helps us understand the diversity and behaviour of moths in our area. As moths were gently unveiled, we learned about each species and their names, with the pupils logging them in a notebook. A fan favourite was the “Uncertain” moth!

Spring Common Academy’s forest school provides a unique opportunity for our pupils to explore, inspect, look, hold, and learn about the natural world around them. It’s a hands-on educational experience that brings them closer to nature.

Investing in equipment and committing to ongoing projects like this enables us to continuously monitor and cultivate our green spaces, and offers further opportunity for our cohort to engage with outdoor learning. Thanks to Ben, learning how to set up and use equipment like moth traps, ensures that we can repeatedly pursue projects like this in the future.

Here at Spring Common Academy we aim to foster a deeper connection between our students and the natural world, nurturing their sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment.