Children from Lingwood First and Nursery School visited RSPB Strumpshaw Fen yesterday as part of their work on the environment with The Windmill Project.

The conclusion of six weeks of looking at climate change and sustainable development, the seven and eight-year-olds studied the ecosystems of meadows and ponds on the fen and how they are being harmed by tidal surges.

Rosie Walker, Project Coordinator for The Windmill Project, said: 'The visit is so the children can realise how environments on their doorstep are being affected by climate change, with the hope that once they start to care about their local environment they can then transfer that empathy to the wider world.'

'It's very much a climate change project with a local and a global focus – it's global warming, not just Norfolk warming.'

Class teacher Lucinder Pennick was full of praise for the scheme, saying: 'The children have loved how interactive it's been, and how it applies to different areas of the curriculum. I think they really latched on to it.' The class were similarly impressed, with Liam Bolt and Eloise Woodhall of Kingfisher Class happy to share their new knowledge.

'We've been learning about nature, and how global warming's going to affect all the creatures all over the world', said Liam, while Eloise promised to 'reduce, re-use, and recycle' in future. Both said they had enjoyed taking part, with pond-dipping proving particularly popular.

The Windmill Project is funded by the Department for International Development to provide children with an awareness of issues around climate change. It has so far worked with 12 primary schools across East Norfolk, with Brundall Primary School the next to be involved.

Any school interested in taking part should email Rosie Walker at rosie@nead.org.uk. Photo: simon finlay