River Trip 2008

Year 6 River trip

Year Six have been on their annual fieldwork trip to Coquet River and Amble beach.

As part of this trip the Year 6 children prepare by looking at the ordinance survey map of the area they are due to visit.  They look at the course of the river, the amenities and features of the river.  They also review animal and plant identification sheets for their beach work.

On the trip itself the children usually start by looking at the fresh water area around the Black Bridge.  However, due to recent flooding and bad weather we began at the waterworks in Warkworth.  The children learned about how water is treated and cleaned before being pumped to their houses. 

We then continued down to the River Coquet and looked at how the river is affecting the landscape through erosion.  We spotted birds and other river life as we walked along the river.

We continued to spot and record the bird life at other key points of the river – for example at Warkworth Bridge and the mud flats on the way to Amble.  We then walked past the marina at Amble and took the opportunity to sketch a landscape view of the river, either looking upstream towards Warkworth Castle or downstream towards the estuary.

After lunch we visited the RNLI in Amble and learned about the important work that the volunteers at the RNLI do.  They gave a talk, illustrated with video and a PowerPoint presentation.  The children found out that the RNLI rescue an average of 23 people every day and saw the boats and equipment the volunteers use.  They were also able to quickly visit the shop.

If you would like to find out more about the RNLI or make a donation please click here to link to their website.

Leaving the warm RNLI building behind, we headed for Amble beach.  We divided the beach into four zones (from the waters edge to the splash zone) and the children investigated the plant and animal life found in the four zones of the beach.  Finally, we rejoined our buses and headed back to school.

Many thanks to the parents who volunteered to help out on this trip and made it possible.