Oare Primary School has launched a White Horse project to find out more about the White Horses in our area. Last weekend staff, parents and grandparents participated in a conservation effort to help weed and restore the Pewsey White Horse thus supporting the ongoing work to maintain and preserve this important local landmark.
“We wanted to demonstrate to the children the importance of caring for our local landscape and show how working together can make a real difference,” said one of the volunteers.
The project has been generously supported by the North Wessex Downs Landscape Trust, enabling pupils to take part in workshops exploring biodiversity, archaeology and the significance of the chalk downs.
Nina Pugh, Associate Principal at Oare Primary, told Marlborough.news, “We have been working closely with Garry Gibbons, lead project researcher for Pewsey White Horse, who has carried out an extensive study into both the Broad Town and Pewsey white horses, exploring their history and the role local communities have played in maintaining and protecting them over the years.
An archaeologist has been invited into school to speak with pupils about the historical significance of white horses along with the importance of biodiversity across the chalk hills where they are situated. We will be inviting a member of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust team to talk to the children about biodiversity in their local forest school as well as on the chalk hill itself.”
Local artist Becky Borthwick is leading a series of creative workshops, guiding children in the production of a collaborative artwork and creative writing which will form part of a travelling exhibition this summer. The exhibition will be displayed at venues including Pewsey Heritage Centre, the Parade Cinema and St Peter’s Church in Marlborough.
The Landscape Trust’s funding has also enabled the school to purchase video equipment to document the project. Pupils are recording activities throughout the month, as well as interviewing local landowners and former custodians of the White Horse. The footage will be edited into a short film to be showcased alongside the children’s artwork and final collaborative piece at the exhibition, helping to promote long-term stewardship of the landscape.
“If we want the next generation to care for this place, we have to help them fall in love with it first,” said a spokesperson for Oare Primary School. “This project brings together learning, creativity and community pride, all centred on the landscape our children call home.”
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