A Day Out With the Otters.

Evie • 9 December 2021

Another successful day with the Running Deer.


A dark and stormy December day at Butterdon woods, we had to do some quick thinking to escape the potential dangers of falling branches and ice cold Dartmoor downpours. With the initial disappointment of arriving and finding out Pennywell farm was closed for the season we popped along the road to the otters and butterflies at Buckfastleigh. 


The butterfly sightings were limited, as you can imagine at this time of year but we did glimpse an owl butterfly with its markings resembling owls eyes and the intriguing see-through, glasswing butterfly. We spent some time observing the terrapins to spot if they were all real but came to the conclusion they were just very good at playing musical statues. 


The real hit was arriving just in time for the otters morning feed of leftovers from the local chippy (minus the chips). Our favourites were the Asian otters, (cute to take home but their squeaking would keep you up at night) and the mother with her two week old who would intermittently pop out of her bedding showing off with the pup in her mouth saying “look what I made”!


After capturing some blurry photos of the swift otters at the underwater viewing window, we crossed the road dodging the turning articulated delivery lorries and had a treat of hot chocolate, a chat of the day and a game of Uno. 


If I had a pound for every time the student said “this is a great offsite day” I’d be rich. Another successful day with the Running Deer.

Evie


by Geraldine 7 July 2025
Despite the biblical rain and almost the need for an arc, members of the local community came to support a charity fundraiser organised and ran by pupils of the school on Thursday 12th June 2025. Not only were there delicious freshly baked cakes, scones, cheesecakes and goodies for all to purchase and enjoy, but also glazed pottery and pupil made artists inks – with live demonstrations on the day. A huge £101.50 was raised with all proceeds from sales going to charities chosen by the pupils themselves. Charities chosen to support were Chagford Youth Club; NHS Royal Devon Hospital Exeter; Rape Crisis UK each gaining an equal share of £33.33. Credit and thanks go to the pupils and staff for the hard work put in leading up to and during the event, parents who were able to support in person or via cake donations and members of the local community for supporting the pupils with this important event. We are incredibly proud of our students and the mature and considerate citizenship demonstrated in the important event.
by Joanna Winterburn 12 June 2025
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