Dowles Brook...fun and games

 The tail end of June has become increasingly hot and humid.

As a result, the class groups are more than happy to venture anywhere that there is a chance of  splashing around in some water. It offers an opportunity to revisit the guidelines on water safety - being aware of temperature, slippery surfaces, unstable riverbanks, water currents and the importance of supervision by adults and never venturing out alone.

The small stream near the outskirts of Bewdley has an abundance of wildlife (notably kingfishers, crayfish and even an experimental reintroduction of a colony of beavers)!

The classes can begin there adventure journeying along a disused section of the old Tenbury to Bewdley railway. From there they take a right along a steep, uneven path (a good test of agility for some) which dives down to Knowles Mill. This has been owned by the National Trust since 1938 and is undergoing some renovation work. As it open to view, the pupils are fascinated by all the old mechanics and interior of the building.

After a short, inquisitive stay at the Mill, the classes cross the Brook on a bridge and head along a dirt track back towards the car park. The walk is interrupted often by detours down to shallow parts of the brook where the pupils wade, skim stones and build pebble towers.

Earlier in the week, whilst we were in this little alcove alongside the brook, a suitable branch was spotted for the rope swing. This was duly set up, but as the picture below shows, the initial launch was a little low!

With a few small adjustments made, the pupils were able to experience the exhilaration of a graceful arc out over the water (some of the more adventurous even dropping an arm to skim a hand across the water).  

This venue, nestled in a valley on the outskirts of Bewdley, encapsulates everything that is positive about Riversides outdoor provision. 

The history of the area, the solitude of the setting, the abundance of wildlife and also the chance to offer a little excitement to some of the more adventurous makes it a hugely popular destination for all classes.