Today we visited Plymbridge woods as part of our creative module.

Plymbridge woods is a wooded valley situated on the River Plym. it contains several old quarries and signs of its interesting industrial history all of which are now supporting an abundance of ferns, mosses and lichens. Whilst visiting the wood I was interested to note that the ferns had not yet died off as they had done so back home in Gloucestershire.

The day started with a walk through the woods and a discussion around what we all noticed about ourselves, each other and the environment.

Next we stoped at a slope that was covered in slate pieces for some free play time. Some of the class built dry stone walls or rock stacks and some even decided to climb a tree. I personally built a dry stone chimney and was very invested in it. Especially  when errant dogs ran excitedly past almost knocking it down.

In fact all day there were dogs running around (on account of us being in a woods) and the class were getting increasingly exited each time a dog came near.

Next was lunch before participating in some trust exercises. one of which was a game involving pairs of people, one holding a mirror under their nose so that they could only see above them and the other guiding them. Whilst playing this game there was a Cormorant sat sunning itself on the river bank so we watched it for a while.

After this the lecturer Mark suggested that we should spend 30 minuets or so having a calming individual experience. This was quickly shut down so played parachute games instead.

The day ended as it started with a walk through the woods and a discussion around what we all noticed about ourselves, each other and the environment. The main thing that I noticed was that when outside the classroom everyone is much happier and relaxed. Furthermore the cliques within our group disappeared over the day.