Experience the Quantocks

These short films are made by artists who have filmed on the Quantock Hills and from their studios. They offer a virtual experience of the Quantocks as seen from an artist’s perspective. You can use these alongside the downloadable resources to plan creative activities that can be carried out at school or on site. Each download includes simple techniques and equipment lists accessible to all.

All the ideas suggested here can be used to support well-being; develop art and design and design and technology skills. With planning they provide valuable approaches to enrich learning across the curriculum. Whether it’s a particular skill, technique, topic or curriculum area, you can use the search bar to find what you need.

Experienced arts educators but not filmmakers, these artists largely filmed on their own during lockdown. Some of the sound quality may be poor and where this is the case we have added subtitles.

Some of these sites require booking in advance. Before visiting these sites please see details here

Great Wood

A virtual tour of Great Wood with practical activities that can be carried out on site, in the classroom or adapted for home learning. Activities include making and using a nature journal; using our senses and encouraging drawing and observational skills; story-telling and mask making. Inspiration and ideas for approaching environmental themes with an introduction to the children’s book ‘The Last Tree’ by Emily Howarth Booth and to ‘No ordinary Protest’ a performance work by artist Mikhail Karikas.

Activity sheet 1 - The Last Tree

Using Emily Haworth-Booth’s illustrated book ‘The Last Tree’ as a starting point, this resource develops practical observational drawing skills, along with story telling and ideas to deepen connections with trees and environmental issues. Includes an introduction on how charcoal is made and helpful tips on supporting children to draw with charcoal

Activity sheet 2 - Using the Five Senses

Making and using a nature journal – simple printing activity, using our senses and encouraging drawing and observational skills.

Cothelstone Hill

An introduction to Cothelstone Hill with practical activities inspired by the plants identified on site. Used alongside the SEEK App, this resource promotes discussion about classification, ecology and habitats. Activities can be carried out as part of field studies and in the classroom. Also helps introduce the vocabulary of landscape painting and ideas for using watercolours with upper KS2.

Activity sheet 1 - Panoramas, Plants and Pollinators

Make 2 simple sketchbooks or journals for field studies. Supports english, science, art and design. Traditional painting techniques accessible to Key Stage 2 underpin learning across the subjects.

Doniford Beach

Experience Doniford Beach with artist, Sue Green, as she walks you through drawing activities exploring Somerset’s coastal landscapes. This resource will help you plan and encourage adventurous approaches to drawing and writing in all weathers. Learn how to make and use scroll sketchbooks and mark making tools; use sensory experience to feel the coastal environment and translate it to drawing; extend the learning back in the classroom. Activities can be adapted for whole classes or 1:1 home learning environments. Please check tide times carefully before you venture to Somerset’s coast.

Activity sheet 1 - Coastal Creations

Using textures and rock formations found at beach locations as a starting point, create seascape studies using rubbings and handmade drawing tools.

Fyne Court

A trip to the pond at Fyne Court reveals many mini beasts and beauties! The art activities in the video can be used for pond dipping but will work well for other contexts, like exploring a woodland through the seasons. You don’t have to pond dip before being inspired!

Pond dipping should be done in spring and summer (Easter through Sept) to avoid disturbing animals that spend winter safely buried in the mud. Group visits, such as from schools, to Fyne Court must be booked in advance with the National Trust. If you’re simply going to Fyne Court as a family booking isn’t required but you’ll need to take your own pond dipping nets and bowl. Check for opening times and access before setting out.

Activity sheet 1 - Pond Dipping and Printmaking

This resource includes a suite of creative Art and Design outcomes inspired by the insect life found there. With quick 3D makes using natural found materials, accessible drawing activities and basic printing techniques activities can be used to enrich science, english and maths at Key Stage 1 and 2.

Kilve Beach

A virtual tour of Kilve Beach with practical activities inspired by film and photography of the geology. Promotes discussion about deep time and how the land was formed. Activities can be carried out in the classroom or adapted for home learning. Includes an introduction to using paints, colour mixing and collage. Please observe tide times and weather warnings very carefully if visiting Kilve Beach.

Activity sheet 1 - Rockface Collage

Create a rock face collage inspired by the geology of Kilve Beach with links to geography, numeracy, literacy, art and design.

Tasks encourage observational and numeracy skills with an extension for creative writing and suggestions of further artists to research.

Activity sheet 2 - Pebbles, Poets and Painters

Develop collage inspired by the pebbles and poets of Kilve with links to geography, maths, english, art and design.

Tasks encourage colour matching, fine motor and observational skills with an extension for creative writing.