PUPILS, teachers, parents and governors gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a new outdoor learning environment at Winterfold School.
TV's Michael Collie, known from BBC's Midlands Today and Countryfile, officially opened the new Forest School at Winterfold, where four of his daughters were students.
Speaking at the opening, Michael said: "It’s brilliant to see the children at Winterfold just enjoying nature and the environment – they have been showing me what they can do simply with mud and there’s a lot of it about!
“I love the fact that an old bomb crater, which has been covered in undergrowth for years, has now been re-discovered and turned into a fantastic natural water environment for plants, animals and pupils to enjoy."
Michael was assisted in the ribbon-cutting by pupil Grace McNaughton - selected because she was wearing the dirtiest wellies.
The Forest School features a hide for birdwatching, tool shed and a new shelter, which will be used as an outdoor classroom.
The Friends of Winterfold raised money towards the project, and also funded Forest School suits for the students.
There will be sections for each year group, from nursery through to year eight, with plans to plant a herb garden, vegetable patch and an orchard. Much of the Forest School has been developed using recycled materials.
The pond is already well established with flora and fauna, and there are plans to build a jetty, so that students can enjoy lessons in pond dipping.
Denise Toms, headmistress of the school, said: “‘Our new Forest School is an outstanding facility for our young pupils to explore the outdoors and enhance their learning and development.
"We were delighted to welcome Michael Collie, BBC broadcaster and father to four girls who have all been educated at Winterfold, to open our new site.
"We look forward to taking groups of children to explore the Forest School area with pond, orchard, bird hide, shelter and fire pit.
"We aim to motivate, inspire and give the children a positive outdoor experience."
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