Aborigines used journey sticks to remember the route of their walkabouts in the outback and children from Granard Primary School in Putney made them on November 11 to remember their expedition to Box Hill.
Journey Sticks are literally sticks, with memory joggers gathered along the way tied to them to provide a record of a trip, a bit like an early form of photo album. And of course the crowning glory of the children’s journey sticks was a sprig of Box Tree.
The 29 six to seven year olds were introduced to the chalk woodland of Box Hill and the idea of making journey sticks by National Trust’s Box Hill and Headley Heath Learning Warden, Sarah Russell.
The aim of the expedition, organised by the Country Trust with support from the Surrey Hills Sustainable Development Fund, was to give children from an urban environment a taste of the countryside, helping them to appreciate nature and learn about plants and animals.
The November weather meant Box Hill was practically up in the clouds but there were drifts of leaves and trees to explore and the children quickly became adept at finding pine cones and larch twigs, leaves and lichen for their journey sticks.
After lunch the cloud lifted for the children to appreciate the spectacular views from the lookout.
“I really enjoyed making the journey sticks,” said Janie. “I liked finding the leaves and seeing the trees.”
“I put a cone and a branch with larch needles on my journey stick,” said Macy. “I also put some lichen on too. It shows that the air is pure.”
Granard Primary School teacher Jenny O’Kelly said the day on Box Hill was a fantastic experience for them. “It gives them the opportunity to find out about the countryside.”
Karina Hardingham of the Country Trust said the aim was to bridge the gap between town and country for children from urban environments who would otherwise not have the chance to see the countryside. “The countryside is for everybody,” she said. “Our generous hosts open their doors to the children, and outside in the open air, the teachers often see a different side to a child who finds it difficult in an enclosed classroom. The children learn about where food comes from and the day gives them respect for each other and for nature and animals. There are also lots of opportunities for follow-up study and lessons back in the classroom.”