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An overnight moth trap had been set by Hugo and wessex home education group gathered to examine the findings . We recorded an incredible 56 species of moth ( a new record for the reserve ).

The children explored the anatomy of a pumpkin. They used their senses to smell, touch and taste a pumpkin. They are looking forward to planting some of the seeds that they removed and dried out in the Spring. The children explored the local river. They have planted Rowan tree seeds in class and were trying to identify the best place to plant these in the local area when the time comes. They came upon the local river and explored all the plants and trees surrounding it. They then carried out an impromptu science experiment of floating and sinking natural objects along with predicting which materials would move faster towards the waterfall. During one of the sessions in the park, the morning children discovered the hidden garden. They used materials that they found there to create natural dreamcatchers.

The afternoon boys learned how to safely build a fire and how to source the materials safely and sustainably from the local area within the park. They also learned how to tree shake to carry out a survey of the types of insects that they will find hidden deep within the trees and usually go unnoticed.

Both groups went Pond dipping and a bug hunt at Rouken Glen. They discovered a whole new world exists below the water as well as beside it. Some of the children used then knowledge they had learned from tree shaking and applied this to the reeds and plants surrounding the pond. They used identification sheets to identify the insects and plants that they found. Ranger Katy showed them some birds and mammals that might rely on the insects and plants they discovered for their survival and we created some food chains using the plants, insects, birds and mammals that we had learned about.

For the last session, we decided to have that old favourite, the outdoor cooking session. The group planned the morning, writing a shopping list, and using money raised from last years neighbour's tidy up, we went in the school minibus to Asda in Dalgety Bay with Miss Duncan. First thing we have to say is to compliment the group on their behaviour, both in the bus and in the shop. They worked well together to get the food we needed. Once back at the school, we got a good fire going, and thanks to Ms Donnelly, a couple of frying pans on the go for burgers, sausages and bacon to serve up. As always, the group mucked in well, and enjoyed the al fresco dining! Next year, part of our work will include rowing with the Kinghorn Rowing Club as well as exploring new areas, and keeping an eye on the school grounds. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year from Mr Nicol, Miss Gold, Miss Duncan and all the youngsters from Inverkeithing High John Muir!

Visited Lochore Meadows and found some red berries, I used the Seek app to find out this is a species of rose called Rose-brier. Tea can be made from the Hips (berry), these are full of Vitamin C. I would make sure any berry is properly identified before eating them. The duck in the picture is a Mallard, I also fed swans and geese at the side of the loch. You can buy feed from the visitors centre (50p) that is healthier for the birds than bread.

A footprint tunnel was put out two days before, with dog food and bird seed as bait. Then we came along and checked it. It looks from the footprints that blackbirds and robins have been in and eaten the seed.

This wee gentle frog was so good and so chill he should be ready to have some babies next year hopefully if we conserve their favourite hiding places such as the polytunnel underneath the black mesh we can see wee tadpoles from this frog in spring