The students at Lochiel School designed their project plan to concentrate on saving the trees, birds and the natural environment. The pupils worked with the local DoC ranger and decided their approach would be to trap pests and find out what animals live in and around the Forest Hill picnic area. They looked at using traps to control rats and possums to protect the bird life in the area and to monitor the birds to see if there is an improvement in the numbers of birds and variety of species.

The students at Lochiel School wanted to embark on this project to encourage more people to come to the area to enjoy the natural surroundings and wildlife due to the reduction in pests. It also shows the community the efforts that have been made by the local school to make sure Forest Hill is kept as natural as possible and predator free. The pupils feel that the community will be able to benefit from the outdoors more and have a pest free area to picnic with family and friends.

By controlling the pests the project will help keep the trees and birds from being damaged and encourage wmore breeding in the area. It will also encourage the pupils of Lochiel School to venture out to Forest Hill for enjoyment and learning.