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Throughout this project of building the coracle, we have used as few unnatural materials as possible. The great thing about this is that any 'waste' produced, can easily be reused on site with a little bit of innovative thinking. When collecting resources for the coracle, we were also carrying out vital reed bed management conservation - specifically the removing of juvenile trees, bramble, and dead reeds. This process generates a notable mass of material, and whilst we used many of the juvenile trees in the build of our structure, we are left with plenty to use elsewhere. A dead hedge is a great structure to build if in need of a barrier that not only benefits many forms of wildlife (mammals, invertebrates, birds, and more), but also costs nothing and eventually decomposes to return to the earth. The whips are sharpened and converted into posts, which are dug into the ground to form the stakes of the hedge. The collected matter is then used to fill the gaps between the posts, creating a thick hedgerow. Again, this highlights the great versatility of natural resources and benefits of using as few unnatural resources as possible. The construction of a dead hedge is a fantastic way to develop multiple skills, working as a team to plan and design, and then build and shape the new wildlife friendly barrier.

The time has come for our coracle, which has been dubbed 'Reed Wobbler', to take to the water. Over the last 8 weeks, we have sourced natural materials and resources from Woodberry Wetlands using a variety of techniques and tools. From scything to sewing, the Reed Wobbler is the physical embodiment of the versatility of natural resources and the ingenuity of boat builders whose legends precede us. Working with natural resources allows one to connect with the materials around them. It is a wonderful way to interact with nature, to coexist, and to create a healthy relationship. With my fellow trainees and colleagues, upon completion of the test voyage, Reed Wobbler will be used to aid our conservation efforts - especially concerning the maintenance of healthy reed bed islands. It can be used as a boat but also as an extra space for storage - much like a trailer - to ease the collection of juvenile tree whips. Sailing upon the waters of Woodberry Wetlands opens up a world of tranquility that cannot be matched on land. The serenity felt when bobbing gently atop soft ripples allows one to forget oneself as well as the business of bustling city. Reed Wobbler, whilst a fantastic asset to our conservation efforts, will also assume the role of facilitating an escape from the mighty shadow cast over the polluted streets of London. It is whilst sailing the Reed Wobbler that I feel most able to discover, explore, and conserve.

We did an assembly to all the Primary pupils in our school. They loved the presentation we put together, but the bit that they liked the most was the video ( the nature conservation 'trailer' from the Wildlife Trusts). We spoke about who John Muir was and what we have been doing as part as our project.

Natural colours gathered in the garden in March

Our pancakes were delicious.

Each year group made pancakes on the rocket stoves. Some were more successful than others. We learned quite quickly that rocket stoves are not best used in a force 8 gale!

We are lucky enough to have adopted this as our beach. Havelet Bay is a short bus trip away and has a wealth of interesting rock pools, massive tidal ranges and a mysterious funnel which appears only at low tide.