Half-term fun in the sun was enjoyed by youngsters from two Pembrokeshire schools during a day out at Chevron's Community and Wildlife Education Centre at Pwllcrochan.

Taking advantage of the marvellous spring weather, children from out of school groups at Monkton Priory Community Primary School and Pembroke Dock Community School used the boardwalk system to explore the woodlands and reed beds at the reserve. The event, organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, kicked off with a short ramble to look for signs of the animals that live in the wood. The children then tried a spot of pond dipping and examined the catches of the day back at the centre. Dragonfly nymphs and several young eels caught in the nets prompted squeals of delight from the fisherfolk! After lunch, the lower reed beds and bird hide gave the children a chance to hone their bird watching and identifying skills, ably assisted by National Park rangers Kiri Howell and Haydn Garlick and co- ordinated by activity leader Gillian Wilkinson and field education officer David Matthews.

The finale to each day was a session of bird box building, using kits prepared at the National Park Authority's Cilrhedyn Workshop and Woodland Centre in the Gwaun Valley.

Ranger Haydn Garlick said: "It's lovely to see the children so enthusiastic to find out more about nature and how they can help wildlife. These bird boxes will now be carefully placed around both schools' grounds and we know the children and their teachers will be keen to see which birds use them as the spring and summer months unfold." The sessions were made possible thanks to the support of Pwllcrochan Centre managers Chevron Pembroke Refinery.

The event was part of the National Park Authority's 'flexible activities programme' which is tailored to suit the particular needs of school and community groups across the county. Anyone interested in arranging a similar session for a group or organisation should contact David Matthews on 0845 345 7275.