On Monday 15 June, Year 6 pupils from Fittleworth Primary School swapped the classroom for the great outdoors as they spent an unforgettable day exploring the beautiful River Rother.
Organised by the Western Sussex Rivers Trust and Andrew Thompson, the River Keeper from the Leconfield Estate, the exciting visit gave pupils the chance to discover the wonders of the river through a variety of hands-on activities. From learning the art of fly fishing and spotting birds, to drift-netting and investigating fascinating riverfly creatures, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the day's highlights was the fly-fishing session, where the children practised casting their lines and discovered the importance of patience and staying still. They also became young wildlife detectives, identifying an amazing variety of creatures living beneath the water, including minnows, freshwater shrimp, ramshorn snails and mayfly larvae.
The crystal-clear waters of the River Rother impressed everyone, and the children loved spending time beside the river, taking in the peaceful surroundings and appreciating the beauty of this special local habitat. It was a memorable day filled with discovery, adventure and a deeper understanding of the wildlife that thrives on their doorstep.
