Pupils from Bishopthorpe Infant School spent time looking for wildlife in the grounds of Bishopthorpe Palace this week. Armed with lists to tick off what they discovered, they enjoyed wandering through the woods and gardens, and visited the prayer labyrinth in the grounds.
Early Years Foundation Stage teacher, Nicki Hone, said, “We’ve really enjoyed coming to the Palace to hunt for wildlife. Having this oasis on our doorstep gives our pupils a wonderful opportunity to explore nature and discover the amazing creatures that live here. They were especially excited about the chance of spotting a heron by the water, finding a ladybird among the plants, and, most of all, keeping their eyes peeled for the beautiful tansy beetles. It’s been a fantastic way to encourage their curiosity, and we hope we can come again!”
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York said: “It is a joy to be able to welcome pupils and staff from Bishopthorpe Infant School today and to see them exploring the wonderful wildlife that can be found here. I hope today's visit inspires them to keep asking questions and looking closely at the natural world. It is fantastic that they are experiencing and appreciating the remarkable variety of life that exists right on their doorstep. Caring for God's creation begins with learning to notice and value it.”