Woodland Projects Make Learning Fun for Frodsham Primary Academy Pupils

If you go down to the woods today…..you’re likely to find Frodsham Primary Academy children hard at work!

Youngsters from Years 2, 3 and 4 have been taking part in a community tree planting scheme at Frodsham Woods organised by conservation charity The Woodland Trust.

The woods have been transformed from a derelict golf course into a 95-acre haven for wildlife and walkers and Frodsham children were invited to play their part in its development by planting oak, rowan and birch saplings.

Gemma Callaghan, Head of School at Frodsham Primary Academy, said: “Plots had been assigned in rows with the expectation that the children would bed in up to 60 new trees. We accepted the challenge and working in pairs with the support of family helpers and school staff we managed to plant 165 new saplings, truly exceeding what was planned!

“The children thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in what will be part of the community for generations to come. They learnt how to identify the different trees and worked together to ensure the saplings were safely bedded in.

“We spoke about how it would take 40 years for the trees to mature and how they could visit them in the future with their own children and grandchildren and be proud of their contribution to Frodsham Woods.”

Frodsham Primary Academy children are no strangers to life amongst the trees. The school has recently established a forest school programme. Led by teacher Alice Pemberton, each year group receives two hours of forest school each week over a six-week half term, enjoying a range of hands-on tasks and activities in the school’s extensive wooded grounds. The sessions are designed to enhance the children’s wellbeing and help them develop problem-solving skills.

Forest school has won the approval of Year 4 pupil Jeff-James, who said: “Forest school is so much fun, we can build dens, bridges and make musical instruments.”

Reception pupil Archie added: “I love forest school, we get really wet and muddy and Miss Pemberton lights the fire!”

And as the children head towards Easter they will have the chance to enjoy forest school activities after the school day, with the launch of a new extracurricular forest school club.

Gemma Callaghan added: “Forest school recognises the importance of play for all ages. We have seen children taking risks, setting their own challenges and showing high levels of collaboration and perseverance.

“We are very lucky to have such fabulous grounds at Frodsham Academy and Miss Pemberton's knowledge and skills and enthusiasm are having such a positive impact on all the children.”

Frodsham children enjoy life under canvas during a forest school session in the school grounds