Woodland classroom opens for children (From Northwich Guardian)

Woodland classroom opens for children

8:30am Friday 27th July 2012 in News

A NEGLECTED woodland has turned over a new leaf thanks to big business and a neighbouring school.

Pumphouse Wood, in Barnton, has suffered from vandalism and anti-social behaviour in recent years, which has inspired conservation charity Cheshire Wildlife Trust to transform the area.

The six-acre oak and ash woodland borders Barnton Community Primary School, which agreed to work with the trust to develop a woodland classroom for the children.

School governors funded a security gate so teachers and pupils can access the wood from the school grounds instead of embarking on a 15-minute walk and two new information boards about woodland wildlife have also been installed.

The project has been funded by chemical manufacturer Ineos Enterprises and Chester East’s Care4CE health and social care volunteer group.

Rob Roberts, reserves officer with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We hope that with regular use by the school and those in the community recognising the benefit to youngsters, the reserve can again be a wildlife gem in the heart of Barnton.”

Headteacher Annette Williams said: “We are absolutely delighted with the work that has been done by Rob and his team, and would like to say a huge thank you to them for their time and effort.

“They have transformed a somewhat neglected woodland into an oasis of calm; benefitting residents of Barnton and pupils attending our school, and they have added yet another dimension to our curriculum – building on the work we already undertake as part of our Forest School initiative.”

Janet Ward, INEOS Enterprises’ community relations officer, said: “This is exactly the type of project that we are thrilled to support as it benefits so many local people and builds a lasting partnership between local people and organisations”