Long Field Academy students to help save plight of Orangutans in Sumatra

Pupils and teachers have taken part in a sleepover under canvas, in the school grounds, to prepare for living conditions on their 2017 trip to Sumatra PHOTO: Supplied

Fourteen year eight and nine students will spend eleven days in the Sumatran jungle, in October 2017, helping to raise money for the plight of Orangutans, whose habitat is being destroyed.

The trip has been organised through Venture Force, who run adventures and expeditions all over the world working alongside wild animals. It is conservation based and is designed to raise awareness but also to help the pupils develop their own skills and attitudes towards society and sustainability.

Venturers will be working with experienced wildlife experts and guides undertaking field research that may include; Orangutan nest counting, identifying food species and discovering how Orangutans live in the wild.

The project will also include an amazing Jungle river journey deep in to the jungle forests to help with project work at the remote Sikunder Research Station. The types of tasks include replanting of rubber plantations, working with fair trade coffee plantations, the cultivation of local sustainable crops and observation of local endangered species.

Teacher Emma Braisby who will be accompanying the students said: “The pupils will mostly be sleeping under canvas or in just mosquito nets. They will be cooking their own meals, buying all the produce locally and planning the resources for the week as part of the team. Staff will be there to support, but the pupils will take part in leading the group and organising tasks.”

Each student needs to raise £2,400 to go on the trip. They have been taking part in a number of fundraising activities already to raise the required amount.

A sleepover for staff and students, to get used to sleeping under canvas, was held in the school grounds and included survival activities.

Mrs Braisby added: “All of the pupils have also been doing individual fundraising. They have been selling items at car boot sales, car washing and mowing lawns.

“In September, the explorers will be completing a sponsored bike ride around Rutland Water. Staff will also be taking pupils bag packing to local supermarkets.”