Breakfast - cereals, toast, cooked breakfast, croissant, fruit, yogurt and juice.
Most of the day was spent at a local farm. The children were given a guided tour of the farm by Ruth the farmer. Ruth's family have farmed in the area for many years. The farm is a mixed farm. They grow mostly barley and wheat. They also rear cattle. The cattle are English long horns. They are very popular with top quality chefs who pay extra for their matured beef. The children were fascinated with the cows and had many questions for Ruth who answered them all - very honestly. The children now know the difference between a bull, steer, heifer and cow. The should also be able to instantly tell by looking where Ruth instructed them to.
After the tour, the children looked closely at the insect population at the farm. Louis rocked some funky dance moves in an attempt to charm some worms. Ellie and Abbie were very good at finding a whole range of creepy-crawlies but were not so keen on capturing them. All the results were carefully logged and were used later to compare habitats.
We had the first appearance of rain at lunchtime. Not a bad record for Cranedale. Hopefully, that is the last we shall see of the wet stuff. The forecast is promising and we should remain dry for the rest of the week.
Lunch was a variety of sandwiches, hula hoops, fruit, biscuits, yogurt and chocolate sponge. No prizes for guessing which was the most popular. Harry declared it the best cake ever and no one disagreed.
The afternoon was spent back at the centre. The insect population was observed in the field next to the centre. Louis' worm dance was far more successful. Hari was soon making some shapes and over thirty worms foolishly popped their heads above the surface.
After all the dancing, the children needed a rest. Not really an option at Cranedale. They were sorted into five groups and began creating some environmental art. Louis and Hari created a triceratop exo-beetle. Ellie and Gaya made a transforming bug called a GayEE. All of the creations were judged equal and it was soon time to make our way back to the centre.
Miss V was not convinced about the bathing habits of the group. There was certainly an aroma at the farm and I'm not convinced that it was just the cows. All the group were sent off to the showers and the aroma disappeared.
Main - Jacket potato, curry, cheese, beans, sausage and salad
Dessert - Apple pie and ice cream
This evening will be spent dissecting owl pellets. "I've found some brain tissue" - Benjamin, "I've found a jaw!" - Harmoni.
We are then going to set off outside to set some traps. We are hoping to capture some moths and small mammals. We will return to them in the morning and see what we have got.
