CHILDREN at a nursery in Kearsley will benefit from a new outdoor area thanks to the brilliant efforts of the local community.

Around 15 volunteers came together to create a forest school area for toddlers at Grosvenor Nursery School and Day Care Centre.

All materials were donated by local groups to the new forest garden - a part of the nursery which has been void for years due to lack of funding and manpower.

Daniel Eden, a parent governor, said: “There were people from Friends of Grosvenor, supported by volunteers from Friends of Moses Gate and Farnworth and Kearsley litter pickers.

“Teachers provided breakfast barms and brews - it was a real community effort.”

The nursery is one of only two state-funded nurseries left in Bolton, and recent council cuts have meant hard decisions have had to be taken.

Headteacher Sue Pounds believes it is essential for chidren to have the opportunity to spend time outdoors and learn about the natural world.

She said: “For the last few years, this particular garden has fallen into a state of neglect due to lack of funding and of course, the pandemic, and the children have been unable to access it.

“The development of this space will ensure our youngest children can continue to develop a love and respect for the natural environment as they grow and learn.

“It is so beneficial from an early age that children have access to the right tools at the right time - like the chance to dig with real spades. This new garden will enable our children to experience challenge and take risks in a safe, supported environment.

“We are so fortunate to have been helped in this way by members of our local community, who have given their time and materials freely, spearheaded Daniel Eden, one of our governors, as well as a member of our friends of group, and Helen Raynor, our deputy day care manager.

“We now have a magical natural garden where our under-threes can experience the wonders of the natural world, one that matches our Forest School Garden, enjoyed by our three to four-year-olds.”