CHILDREN from primary schools across the Crediton and Exeter area attended a presentation picnic held at Newton St Cyres Recreation Ground to learn who had won the 2009 Kingfisher Award competition.

The Kingfisher Award scheme is an annual event and was originally set up by Devon Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and two sponsors 18 years ago.

It acknowledges the school and its pupils who show the greatest enthusiasm for and the understanding of wildlife issues and their connection with farming.

The topic for this year was "Rivers", encompassing all aspects of the river, its banks and the flora and fauna that live there, with an added attraction of an exhibition hive full of live bees.

The Shuttern Brook on the Quicke family farm at Newton St Cyres was where excited children attended field days from May 18 to 22.

Pupils taking part had a chance, many for the first time, to study water creatures from the river.

There was discussion on pollution and how everyone can conserve water.

All were fascinated by the exhibition hive that was lent and attended by David Loo, a local beekeeper.

The Environment Agency lent several stuffed mammals so the children could see an otter, mink and water vole first hand and various other animal pelts and skulls lent by Tom Hills.

Volunteers from FWAG, the Environment Agency, Natural England and Bicton College were in attendance offering their help and guidance.

To illustrate what they learnt during their two hours on the farm, the children created presentations containing pictures and models, stories and poems which were on display at the presentation picnic.

The displays showed how important good river courses are to farmers, the countryside, its wildlife and the surrounding environment.

Eight primary schools put on displays, competing for both the prestigious Kingfisher Trophy and a cash prize with which to buy relevant books for their school.

The displays were judged by Michael Wall, former chairman, Devon FWAG, Helen March, Devon Wildlife Trust and Peter Chamberlain, countryside manager, Devon County Council.

The Kingfisher Award went to North Tawton Community Primary School, following similar success in 2004 and 2005.

Peter Chamberlain said: "Their work stood out because of the superb quality of leaflets they had produced which they intend to print and put into their local Post Office and café."

For the second year running, St Nicholas Catholic Primary School were runners-up.

Penny O'Connor, Kingfisher Award co-ordinator, said that the displays were "fantastic" and said it had been a "wonderful" presentation evening.

Alan Quick