Schoolgirls had fun learning about the wild and the forest as they fashioned natural paintbrushes and paints to create a class picture.

As part of Woods Week, they also made potions and perfumes from natural ingredients, created leaf chains and tracks, dissected owl pellets, spotted leaves and identified insects.

Students of all ages from four to 11 at St Albans High School for Girls Prep spent two sessions learning about the woods recently.

Pupils have access to extensive grounds at the school in Wheathampstead, including a meadow and woods.

Headmistress Judy Rowe said: “We are really lucky to have such beautiful grounds to enjoy

“Our girls can be challenged in the outdoors and we have such a great wood where they can explore and learn.

“They are able to have fun and be children with the freedom to roam in safety.”