FORESTRY England welcomed more than 120 West Somerset schoolchildren to Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster, to connect with nature and celebrate some of the country’s tallest trees.

The youngsters saw England’s tallest tree, a Douglas fir standing nearly 207 feet high.

Nutcombe Bottom is also home to Britain’s tallest dawn redwood at nearly 123 feet and England’s tallest magnolia, which is almost 84 feet.

The pupils from first schools in Dunster and Dulverton used sticks to measure the height of some of the tallest trees, and re-enacted the role of a ‘trainee forester’ during their day on the Tall Trees Trail.

Forestry England community ranger Tara Maxamed said: “We are fortunate to care for some of the tallest trees in Britain, which thrive in this warm and fertile part of Exmoor.

“Seeing the children engage with the forest was amazing.

“They learned how to measure tree height with just a stick, explored colours and camouflage in the forest, hunted for minibeasts, and made creative forest artworks with materials from the forest floor.

“The children’s knowledge was impressive and they asked brilliant questions to understand more about Forestry England’s work and how we are caring for forests for future generations to enjoy for years to come.”

Dunster headteacher Paul James said: “We are lucky to have such an amazing green space within walking distance of school and it was wonderful for the children to visit Forestry England’s Tall Trees Trail.

“They loved getting stuck into the activities which brought to life some of the work involved in looking after forests.

“For the children to see this first hand and ask the experts questions is invaluable.

“It has given us lots to reflect on back in the classroom and we look forward to visiting again in future.”

More information on the Tall Trees Trail is available on Forestry England’s website.