School parties who visit Paxton Pits can now go back to Saxon times and hear a talking ichthyosaur – a prehistoric reptile but similar to the shape of a dolphin. New activities at the pits have been formally launched by the Wildlife Trust for Cambridgeshi

School parties who visit Paxton Pits can now go back to Saxon times and hear a talking ichthyosaur - a prehistoric reptile but similar to the shape of a dolphin.

New activities at the pits have been formally launched by the Wildlife Trust for Cambridgeshire, working with Huntingdonshire District Council.

During autumn and winter, from October to March, youngsters can take part in a re-enactment of the Saxon arrival. They will row across 'the sea' in a long ship while stories are told to them about the Saxon centuries, which lasted from 450AD to 1066.

During a whole-day programme, the youngsters will learn about the grain they will eat and also share it with birds on the river, and will unearth "clues" about Anglo-Saxon life by going on a dig to find artefacts. There will also be the chance to make a Saxon pot.

During spring and summer, from April to September, children can help create a habitat, see how it changes through time and take part in pond-dipping, fossil hunts, log rolling and mini-beast hunts. They will also meet the talking ichthyosaur.

The tours, in operation now, are being led by guides from the Wildlife Trust.

INFORMATION: Schools wishing to book day trips to Paxton Pits should contact 01480 811075.