Kingsley School students in Bideford have helped to build an otter habitat using recycled timber from local flood defence works at Kenwith Valley reservoir.

The collaborative project saw students work alongside Environment Agency biodiversity specialists and construction company, Kier, to create the habitat in the school grounds using timber reclaimed from improvement works at Kenwith Valley flood storage reservoir.

During the hands-on session, students took part in an interactive discussion with the local biodiversity officer before working in teams to construct the otter holt using logs and natural materials.

Jack Harty, director of environmental and sustainable studies at Kingsley School, said:  “This project has provided our students with an incredible opportunity to learn about local wildlife conservation while developing teamwork skills.

“The children were completely engaged throughout the day and now feel a real sense of ownership over this habitat they’ve created on our school grounds.

“We’re particularly excited about setting up a trail camera nearby so students can monitor otter activity in the coming months.

“This kind of practical conservation experience brings classroom learning to life in ways textbooks simply cannot match.”

Sarah Guest, Environment Agency biodiversity officer, added: “It was a great opportunity to work with colleagues from the wider organisation and build relations with the community we’re working in – all towards the common goal of nature recovery.

“The school will integrate ongoing monitoring of the otter habitat into their science curriculum, with students regularly reviewing trail camera footage as part of their ecosystem studies.”

The initiative forms part of environmental education programmes delivered through the Environment Agency’s South West region.