Y5 Geography Trip to Stourton Estates

As part of the Year 5 topic on ‘Water’ we visited Stourton Estates near Baumber and enjoyed a guided tour led by Mr Strawson.

Clad in our most waterproof gear we boarded the ‘Unimog’ and we were transported to various locations. First, we looked at water use at the farm and the remains of the historic Old Hall with its small moat and nearby spring supplying the pond that has provided a welcome stop-off for passing travellers and their horses since Roman times. We also had a chance to get close up to the deer as they were fed.  

Later on we travelled to the modern, recently installed flood defence system on the River Bain that helps protect Horncastle from flood waters. Then on to the old water tower from where we could see various landmarks and learned how the water stored in it provided water for the racehorse stables located there in times past.

At the end, Mr Strawson showed us a ‘special’ measuring stick which illustrated the average annual rainfall for Woodhall Spa (600mm), and was incidentally made from a full metre long box of Jaffa cakes! (It did not remain full for very long!!)

I would like to thank both Mr & Mrs Strawson for so kindly inviting us to Stourton Estates and putting on such an informative tour, it has really helped the pupils appreciate the work and effort required in managing and controlling water resources both now and in the past.