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.

Meeting the Forestry Commission Centenary Tree, a dawn redwood planted by pupils of Dunster First School in 2019.Pupils hunting for minibeasts at the foot of a tree in Nutcombe Bottom.Forest artwork activities for schoolchildren at Nutcombe Bottom.More forest artwork by Dunster and Dulverton first school pupils.Youngsters prepare to measure England's tallest tree, a Douglas fir at Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.Chainsaw practice on a day visit to Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.Young people are shown how to safely hold a chainsaw with this model.Hunting for mini beasts in the woods at Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.Pupils from first schools in Dunster and Dulverton during their visit top Forestry England's Nutcombe Bottom woods.Some of Dulverton First School's year six pupils at the foot of England's tallest tree, in Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.Pupils at the Tall Trees Trail in Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster, with community ranger Daisy Barber.Dunster and Dulverton schoolchildren exploring the Tall Trees Trail in Nutcombe Bottom.

Meeting the Forestry Commission Centenary Tree, a dawn redwood planted by pupils of Dunster First School in 2019.

Pupils hunting for minibeasts at the foot of a tree in Nutcombe Bottom.

Forest artwork activities for schoolchildren at Nutcombe Bottom.

More forest artwork by Dunster and Dulverton first school pupils.

Youngsters prepare to measure England's tallest tree, a Douglas fir at Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.

Chainsaw practice on a day visit to Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.

Young people are shown how to safely hold a chainsaw with this model.

Hunting for mini beasts in the woods at Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.

Pupils from first schools in Dunster and Dulverton during their visit top Forestry England's Nutcombe Bottom woods.

Some of Dulverton First School's year six pupils at the foot of England's tallest tree, in Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster.

Pupils at the Tall Trees Trail in Nutcombe Bottom, near Dunster, with community ranger Daisy Barber.

Dunster and Dulverton schoolchildren exploring the Tall Trees Trail in Nutcombe Bottom.

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.”

Dulverton and Dunster pupils at Nutcombe Bottom with teachers Daisy Barber, Owen Jones, Owen Meredith, and Tara Maxamed. PHOTO: Forestry England/Crown copyright.
Dulverton and Dunster pupils at Nutcombe Bottom with teachers Daisy Barber, Owen Jones, Owen Meredith, and Tara Maxamed. PHOTO: Forestry England/Crown copyright. ( )

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.