CHILDREN who are still unable to return to school have been taking part in outdoor lessons encouraging them to engage with nature.

Pupils from Shap Endowed CE Primary School have been allowed to return to school grounds for one hour a week to take part in a series of environmental education activities with Nicola Estill, community engagement officer for the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme - which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Pupils at Shap Primary have been encouraged to use their senses in a variety of ways.

Examples include using chalk to draw ‘sound maps’ depicting the noises they can hear around them, and searching for ‘opposites’ - for example, smooth objects and hard objects - on scavenger hunts.

These activities have also been held for pupils at Lowther Endowed School, near Penrith.

Ms Estill said: “The children have been brilliant at socially distancing and following procedures with equipment but, most importantly, they were back in a school environment and were able to meet each-other again and take part in organised activities.

“The emphasis is on socialisation and shared experiences, creative thinking, self-expression, play, exercise, fresh air and environmental learning.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the children and I do hope I have the opportunity to show them the fantastic natural and cultural heritage in the Westmorland Dales when school life returns to normal.”

The sessions have involved 20 to 30 children in the same groups or ‘bubbles’.