Leafield CE Primary School

Jane Bowley writes

With Leafield School we identified that it is the influence of the woodland that remains in the nearby Wychwood Forest in Cornbury Estate that is a significant feature of the landscape.

I talked to the children about the local wildlife and the woodland species and habitats in particular. Amanda showed them maps and photographs that showed how there has been a great reduction in woodland coverage and the accompanying changes in local industries.

Several of the children come from families who have lived in the village for many generations and were able to talk to Amanda about their grandparents and even parents working in some of the traditional industries such as glove making. Some of the children’s parents still work on the land and there was a significantly greater understanding and knowledge of local wildlife and landscape features than in the other schools.

To start the art work we took the children into the Leafield Community Wood and they delighted in showing us their dens and trees that they had planted giving a real sense of belonging in ‘their’ wood. They made some excellent sketches which they transferred into their drawings. Their drawings also showed distinctive characteristics of the village featuring the church which is a landmark feature for miles around.

One boy drew Didcot power station as he can see it from his bedroom window so it is a strong feature of his view of life in Leafield. The generally wooded feel of the village is reflected in their drawings with beautifully observed trees and woodland animals and birds.

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