YOUNGSTERS at a Worcestershire school have made their own tree spirits out of clay as part of a project linking art, science and English.

Artist Pip Gregory has been teaching year five pupils at St Nicholas CE Middle School in Pinvin about clay modelling as part of the project, in which they have been reading Dr Seuss’ The Lorax and putting together reports on the importance of trees to the environment.

Teacher Sue Dickson says it was hoped the work would help the youngsters not only learn about the natural world, but also improve their writing skills.

“The green men tree spirits have really captured the children’s imaginations and Pip’s advice on working in clay has taken the children’s creativity to a new level and motivated them to write some very accomplished reports,” she said.

“We have been using all kinds of resources to give us ideas including from the middle school online library, but there is nothing like having a skilled local volunteer to come and share their experience and knowledge with the children.”

The pupils will also be looking at how junk can be used to make new, useful items.