CREATIVE pupils at Leigh CE Infants School helped plan their own outdoor classroom in a transformed woodland setting.

Youngsters at the Walmesley Road school now have their own forest adventureland where they can combine learning with enjoying nature’s delights.

Yet until recently the area was a disused toilet block targeted by vandals and drug users until the site was secured for school use with the help of Leigh MP Andy Burnham who opened the forest school.

Leigh Journal:

Leigh MP Andy Burnham cut the ribbon at the opening event

Nature’s Den played a major role and woodcarver Andy Burgess worked wonders with his chainsaws creating impressive artwork.

The project received Lottery funding and a generous donation from Leigh Rotary Club plus orchard trees from Transport for Greater Manchester and a willow wall from Bents.

Head teacher Tracy Gunn told the Journal: “Many people have been instrumental in the development of our wonderful Forest School since its conception – from planting vegetables to donating fruit tress.

“We are so fortunate to have this green oasis and hope neighbouring schools will share this resource with us. It is a serene, calm area where we can provide experiences for children they would never get in a classroom.”

With waterproof clothing on hand for pupils and staff it’s a much-loved, all-weather resource.

Transport for Greater Manchester arranged for reclaimed logs from the busway to be carved into a beautiful storyteller’s chair and a tree house chair, which form an integral part of the school’s new outdoor classroom.

Peter Boulton, head of Programme Management Services, for TfGM, said: “It’s great to see the children now enjoying their new forest school. We’re happy to have been able to contribute to such a lovely outdoor space that pupils and staff can enjoy for years to come.”