CHILDREN at two Stourport schools are sharing a new “forest school” learning area.

St Wulstan’s Catholic Primary School and Lickhill Primary School have both benefited from a Big Lottery Fund grant of £9,900 which has paid for the installation of the forest school area, along with waterproofs, tools and equipment such as binoculars.

Hannah Harison-Denby, reception class teacher and forest school leader at St Wulstan’s, explained that it mimicked the features of a natural forest but included clear boundaries for the children's safety.

It includes trees and plants, a log cabin and a “fire circle” consisting of logs around a fire-making area and is located in a field used by both schools.

Mrs Harison-Denby said: “It gives the children the chance to take risks in a safe environment. It is very good for their holistic development, developing the whole child.”

She added: “The children love it. The freedom and independence they enjoy is really reflected in their positive behaviour in school.”