Chinthurst was delighted to welcome the Surrey Wildlife Trust to assembly this week, where children learned about the extraordinary wildlife on their doorstep and the simple steps they can take to help protect it.

With more than 60 years of conservation work behind them, Surrey Wildlife Trust has long been dedicated to restoring and safeguarding the county's natural habitats. The children learned what makes Surrey's wildlife so special, highlighting the astonishing range of environments found locally, from heathlands and wetlands to rivers, woodlands, gardens and chalk grasslands.

Children were fascinated to discover some of Surrey's rare and endangered species. They learned how the nightjar uses whisker-like feathers to detect prey, how sand lizards, one of the UK's rarest reptiles, thrive in Surrey's dry heathlands, and how silver-studded blue butterflies rely on ants to “babysit” their caterpillars.

The children learned about the Trust's mission to restore and protect Surrey's landscapes. Although the county has many green spaces, they are often fragmented, making it difficult for animals to move safely between habitats.

Children were then challenged to become “nature superheroes” by making small but meaningful changes at home. Suggestions included planting flowers that bloom year-round, creating log piles for beetles, and setting up mini ponds or bucket ponds to attract wildlife. Every garden, they learned, has the potential to become a vital refuge for nature.

The following day, the children took part in the eagerly anticipated Griffin House charity fundraiser in support of the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Children from Nursery through to Year 6 arrived dressed as their favourite animals.

A lively Lower School and Upper School parade took place, giving every child the chance to showcase their animal costume. Griffin House Captains then had the challenging task of selecting winners from Nursery, Lower School and Upper School. Congratulations to our parade winners: Henry W in Nursery for his brilliant lion costume, Heath E in Lower School for his fantastic penguin outfit, and Henry C in Upper School for his impressive frog fancy dress.

It was a memorable day, leaving children excited and motivated to protect the natural world and proud to support the Surrey Wildlife Trust in its vital work to safeguard Surrey's precious habitats.