EDDC countryside rangers organise activities for hundreds of pupils.

Pupils from Sidmouth and Newton Poppleford primary schools went wild for nature as part of Sidmouth Science Festival.

East Devon District Council’s Countryside team ran activities for more than 500 children during the week-long event.

Education rangers helped pupils explore The Byes, looking for animals living in the river and meadow.

Groups also investigated the river flow by timing pine cones floating along the water.

Youngsters from Newton Poppleford enjoyed stream dipping in the River Otter. During the activity, they found three species of fish, spotted buzzards, toads and a number of small creatures when they went bug hunting.

Jon Ball, one of the festival organisers, thanked the rangers for their contribution and said: “The number of children attending has increased and more schools have been asking about the event.

“The rangers are excellent. They obviously enjoy the activities and are able pass on their enthusiasm to the children. We hope to be able to do a similar programme in 2017 with the countryside team.”