Devil’s Dyke trip - Hurstpierpoint College

Devil’s Dyke trip

For the first time since they were in Reception class, Year 2 pupils were finally able to take a trip on the school minibus to Devil’s Dyke.

Through the early morning mist, they walked the length of the legendary Devil’s Dyke. Marvelling at the size of the hills, they enjoyed the mythical story of how the devil created the dyke. They also observed physical and human geography at this National Trust beauty spot on the South Downs.

Devil’s Dyke is a 100m deep V-shaped valley, five miles north of Brighton. At nearly a mile long, the valley is the longest, deepest and widest dry valley in the UK. It is part of a site of special scientific interest and the Devil is never far away from the myths and legends of the area.

Legend has it that the Devil dug his chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald. However, scientists believe it was formed naturally just over 10,000 years ago in the last Ice Age.

As they walked, pupils saw ramparts or walls of the Iron Age hill fort and the remains of the Victorian funfair just a few minutes from the car park. In the valley they discovered a living carpet of flowers and a myriad of colourful insects.

 

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