Children from two primary schools--one a state primary and the other a private school--have been involved for some eight years with planning, making and maintaining a conservation area beside the River Thames in Berkshire. The work is part of the curriculum and involves habitat studies, identification of local species and learning about animal behaviour. The project also involves art, maths and geography. The children gain experience in practical conservation and develop communication skills as they work with children from other schools and local volunteers. (Contains 3 figures and 2 tables.)