On Thursday 28th April, six pupils from our ASD resource classes and five staff members made their way by car and packed minibus up into the hills behind Kirknewton to stay the night at Hilly Cow Wigwams and complete a day of outdoor learning.

We left the minibus behind and headed off on foot, led by Forestry Commission Ranger Jim, across fields filled with sheep and lambs to Selm Muir Wood.

Jim showed us a variety of tree and plants, including how useful a willow tree is, and taught us how to tell the difference between pine and spruce needles. We also gathered some twigs and birch bark (which is good kindling) to make a campfire and when it was burning we boiled water for hot drinks and toasted marshmallows. We also had to take shelter under a big tarpaulin as it started to snow and some of the group were feeling the cold, so the hot drinks were very welcome!

When we got back up to Hilly Cow wigwams we had time to unpack our stuff into the wigwams before making some glass coasters in the big barn with Nancy. After that we had some free time in the playpark before pizza and oven chips for dinner – yum!

There was more free time for games and stories before bedtime and soon we were all snuggled up in our cosy wigwams.

We woke up to a different view of the world because it had snowed heavily overnight! This didn’t stop Miss Carson and two pupils from getting dressed and heading out to build a snowman before breakfast!

After we had packed up, we had a quick tour of the farm to meet some of the animals. We especially liked the new lambs and calf. We headed back to Kirknewton to Potter Around, where we all decorated our own mug before heading back to school.

We had a great time and it was a great adventure!