At CCS Eld Park, learners are getting stuck into a growing vision for outdoor education, thanks to the dedication of Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Lucy Holman.
Lucy is getting the Forest School Project off the ground, creating a learner-led space that fosters creativity, hands-on learning and a deeper connection with nature. The Forest School sessions, held in a small woodland area within the school grounds, have already proved popular. Learners thrive in the open-air setting, where they explore the natural world and build essential life skills. To support and develop the site, Lucy signed Eld Park up to Neighbourly, to be part of the B&Q Community Reuse programme. Through this initiative and others like it, the school hopes to receive donated materials to help transform the outdoor space.
A keen advocate for Forest School, Lucy is currently completing her Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification. As part of her coursework, sheās mapped out a long-term vision for the site. A key element of this involves fencing and gating the area to create a safer, more structured environmentāespecially important when working with fire or tools. Once secured, the space will host a range of learner-led projects including building raised beds, planting hedges, and designing a mud kitchen from upcycled items.
Support from the wider community is already making an impact. Free paving slabs have been sourced to create the base for a new fire pit, and in March, 30 saplings from the Woodland Trust will arrive to enhance the site. Lucy also plans to grow natural hedges and plant fruit, vegetables and flowers in the beds her learners will help to build.
Lucy is looking forward to her vision for the Forest School site becoming a reality and for the many opportunities it will offer learners. The project represents a long-term investment in wellbeing, environmental understanding and practical skills. Lucy is currently contacting local DIY and garden centres for further donations, with every new contribution bringing her vision closer to reality.
You can view Eld Parkās Neighbourly page here:
