Dunham Massey's Magnificent Outdoor Classroom

Historic Dunham Massey became an outdoor classroom for 35 awe-struck young boys from Altrincham Preparatory School Infant Department. Taken on a nature trail through the beautiful 190 acres of mature park-land, the eager young men unearthed a treasure trove of natural fauna and flora.

Underneath every log a selection of fascinating insects, lichens and limpets appeared, round every corner were majestic deer and flocks of wild birds.

In the out buildings the boys then discovered just what life was like for estate workers throughout the last 350 years; how our ancestors generated power, kept and slaughtered animals and made their own produce.

Caroline Austen, Deputy Head of APS, said: "Dunham Massey is a wonderful outdoor classroom, which inspires so many astonishing questions from our boys' inquisitive young minds. Everywhere they looked there was something new to investigate. Indeed, their creative writing about the visit has shown just how much the morning meant to all of them." Ms Austen added: "We are so lucky to have this magnificent estate on our doorsteps and APS would like to thank the National Trust Education Department for such informed and generous support."

APS boys discover just what lies beneath a Dunham Massey log

APS boys pick out the extraordinary at Dunham Massey

Max and Jack with the magnificent Dunham Hall in the background

Elliot and Dan think Dunham is wheely great

Leo and Daneesh inspect an acorn