Year 5 enjoyed a fantastic trip to Ashford Water Works, taking part in an engaging and informative tour of the site. One of the most intriguing parts of our visit was learning about the flocculators. Pupils discovered how added chemicals act like magnets, pulling dirt together into clusters known as flocs. We also explored how water is tested for pH levels and how sand is used as a natural filter. Interestingly, the site once used crushed coconut shells for this process but now uses tiny carbon particles to help reduce its carbon footprint.

A real highlight was measuring the flow of the river. Using corks, we timed how long each one took to travel along different sections and compared the results—quickly noticing just how much a river’s speed can change from place to place. Afterwards, pupils enjoyed building dams with rocks, which proved to be a firm favourite activity!

Our visit also included a walk around the reservoir, which can store an impressive 50 million litres of water. Along the way, we became wildlife detectives, spotting animal tracks and signs of life. We were treated to wonderful sightings of ducks and swans, as well as evidence of cormorants, a badger sett, and other local wildlife. We even discovered the remains of an owl and a seagull, who had sadly clashed earlier in the year.

The trip was a great success, and our guides were incredibly impressed by the children’s existing knowledge of the water cycle and the enthusiasm with which they took part in every activity.