School puts outdoor learning on the menu thanks to JCB

Black Lane Community Primary School, in Long Lane, Wrexham, has extended its outdoor learning area - known as a forest school - by adding new cooking facilities and an all-weather shelter to help more children enjoy the facility.
 
Digger giant JCB - which has two factories in Wrexham - donated £745 towards the special cooking preparation station and a new purpose-built shelter. The facilities mean children can learn in nature whatever the weather and have a safe space for preparing food for outdoor cooking lessons on the firepit.

“We are incredibly grateful to JCB for supporting our forest school. Outdoor learning is proven to increase self-esteem by helping introduce children to new experiences and ways to explore the world around them. The new facilities will make a real difference to the children, giving them opportunities to learn and work safely outdoors all year round. Learning in nature is such an important part of the curriculum helping children to try new skills and engage outside of the classroom setting.”

Beccy Fox | Headteacher at Black Lane Community Primary School

Black Lane Community Primary School aims to offer all their 142 pupils aged from three to 11-years-old a chance to regularly learn outdoors. Children are encouraged to take part in nature-based crafts including weaving, whittling and natural art as well as outdoor cooking, den making and bug hunts. 
 
The forest school, which holds weekly sessions for every child, was first introduced last year and is located at the bottom of the playground providing a wooded area, shelter and learning facilities away from the classroom.