An eco-afternoon at a Harpenden primary school generated lots of excitement for young learners.

Each class at St Nicholas Primary enjoyed workshops provided by a range of organisations including Hornbeam Hedgehog Sanctuary, Rothamsted Research Centre, Carpenters Nursery and Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

From learning about the vulnerability of new-born hoglets to the danger of plant pathogens, the afternoon was full of learning to inspire everyone to care for the environment.

Herts Advertiser: Topaz Class get close to plants provided by Carpenters Nursery.Topaz Class get close to plants provided by Carpenters Nursery. (Image: St Nicholas Primary)

Sophia, five, said: “Seeing the hedgehog and making my house was really fun,."

Isla, 10, said: “I used to be scared of bees but now I’m not as I know they are friendly creatures and are just trying to do their job."

“I liked singing the worm song and seeing Robert the hedgehog,” added Jack, also five.

Herts Advertiser: The finished multi-storey, luxury bug hotelThe finished multi-storey, luxury bug hotel (Image: St Nicholas Primary)

The school council, made up of pupils of all ages, worked with the PTA to create links with these members of the local community.

A school spokesperson said: "They all generously shared their understanding of the planet with the pupils and left them with important messages for their future."

Herts Advertiser: Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust help Emerald Class to build a bug hotel by recycling waste materials.Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust help Emerald Class to build a bug hotel by recycling waste materials. (Image: St Nicholas Primary)