Over 100 pupils raced solar cars, made fire and tried their hand at flint knapping at the fifth High Weald Sustainable Energy Day held at Buchan Country Park in February.
120 pupils from local West Sussex schools: Bewbush, Waterfield, The Mill and West Green Primary engaged in a whole day of energy-themed activities. The children learnt about many different types of energy and how they can be sourced from their unique local environment - the High Weald. They explored past energy sources such as fire-making, present uses such as woodfuel and looked at future options by making and racing solar cars.
The day was organised as part of the High Weald heroes primary school education programme with help from The Skinners' School, Oriel School, Buchan Country Park, East Sussex Archaeology and Museums Project and the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Numerous teaching resources have been developed for primary school teachers about energy and its link to the High Weald landscape. They are free to download from the Learning Zone.
The project was funded by the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the High Weald Joint Advisory Committee's Sustainable Development Fund.