TORFAEN schoolchildren tried their hand at pond-dipping and den building during a visit to Coleg Gwent.

Students based at the Usk Campus turned teachers and guides for the week with the aim of inspiring children from 15 different schools about life in the countryside.

Pupils from Woodland and Garnteg Primary schools in Pontypool visited the college’s agricultural centre to find out about its working farm, equestrian centre, small animal centre, woods and pond.

They were joined by children from schools in Abergavenny and Newport as they also tried their hands at seed planting and met several different animals, from lambs and horses to ferrets and chinchillas.

The Usk Campus experience is all about involving children in outdoor life, enabling them to learn about and care for the natural environment in generations to come.

Lecturer Chris Carey, said: “Students are keen to share their passion for the countryside and hope their event will inspire youngsters to learn more about the natural world.”

“It’s great to see students’ confidence grow as they share their knowledge. It’s a different way for them to learn too, whether it’s the planning and organisation they put in beforehand or the communication skills they use during the event.”