THE rainforests of Brazil are beckoning for Blackwood woman Cerys Cadwallader, who has won a place on an environmental research project.

Cerys, who is a teacher at Porth Community School, is to spend two weeks in Araguaia National Park, helping Earth-watch scientists, who are working to protect the endangered Amazon turtle.

She is one of 30 teachers who received Amerada Hess Environmental Awards earlier this year as part of a scheme run by environmental charity Earthwatch and funded by the global integrated energy company Amerada Hess.

She won the trip by developing an environmental club and wildlife area at her school. Cerys' project was judged to be one of the most successful this year, and she will be flying out to Brazil with two other winning teachers next summer.

"If I had to plan a trip of a lifetime I would plan this trip," she said. "I never dreamed I would be going to visit one of the places that I teach my students about.

"I feel extremely lucky that I have been rewarded simply for doing my job, and I can't decide whether I am more excited about working with the turtles or going to Brazil."

To develop her winning project, Cerys used her community action grant to design and build a wildlife garden from recycled plants, timber and fabric, to encourage more wildlife into the school grounds.

She and her pupils also conducted surveys to investigate what kind of wildlife already existed at the school.

Cerys' aim was to raise awareness of the environment among staff, parents and pupils, and involve them all in the conservation project.

Andy Mitchell, corporate affairs manager with Amerada Hess, said the company was delighted to be working in partnership with Earthwatch.

"Teachers play an invaluable role throughout the world. "We hope to support and reward those individuals who look beyond the textbook to inspire their pupils."