CHILDREN from across the Forest of Dean were given a tour of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes last month - without even having to leave school.

More than 300 pupils from Lydbrook, Ruardean Woodside, English Bicknor and Clearwell primary schools were treated to an immersive planetarium experience which allowed them to explore the earth’s biodiversity from inside the classroom.

And the science show connected “the local to the global” for the pupils, with the experience also featuring music from Lydbrook Band.

The project was delivered by local community arts charity Wyldwood Arts, and was commissioned by the band as part of their recent event, ‘Proms in the Park’, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The experience saw the children and their teachers taken on a “virtual, multi-sensory tour” of the natural world inside a portable 5-metre inflatable dome, accompanied by a soundtrack featuring a range of music performed by the band.

Some of the events also featured a guest appearance by band member Robert Morgan, who treated the children to an exclusive cornet rendition of some of their favourite songs.

Jim Bell, General Manager of Wyldwood Arts and lead producer and presenter of the dome shows, said: “Community outreach is an important part of large-scale public arts events like Proms in the Park.

“Just as local brass bands can provide children with a window into a much wider musical landscape, looking at the plants and animals on their own doorstep can help them to understand and appreciate a huge, global concept like biodiversity.”