They also proposed creating new ponds and encouraging longer grass around the existing streams and pond to help voles and also attract butterflies and caterpillars; poppies would also attract bees from beehives, which would then help the pollination of the wild flowers in the hay meadow. The trees over the pond could be cut back to allow more light onto the water to make it a better water habitat.

The Year 6 pupils visited Gosling Sike Farm, now the northern base of the Trust, with reserves officer Kevin Scott. He then challenged them to come up with ideas as to how the farm could be improved for wildlife.

The Houghton Primary School pupils returned a few weeks later having carefully researched the habitats that they had seen on their visit and what wildlife might be found there. They had then organized this material into PowerPoint presentations, which they then delivered back at the farm.

'I am hugely impressed by what these children have done', exclaimed Kevin, who watched the pupils' presentations. 'They have gone way beyond what I expected of them. It is fantastic that they have gone away and come back with all these ideas that they themselves have researched and built up. I am really looking forward to continuing to work with these pupils and others in the school.'
 
It is a fantastic opportunity for Cumbria Wildlife Trust to engage with the local community in an exciting and meaningful way and to ensure that Gosing Sike Farm is a central part of this village and the wider area.'  Kevin has said that the quality of the pupils' work has made him determined to work with them on the ground to implement some of their fantastic ideas.
 
The children also wanted to improve the access around the farm so their fellow students could come and spy on the wildlife without disturbing it in its new home.