Pupils benefiting from wildlife trust lessons

PUPILS at a primary school will get all the benefits of outdoor learning, in a Covid-safe environment, thanks to sessions run by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

The charity usually offers Leicester youngsters a full outdoor learning experience through the Wild Forest School programme.

However, the face-to-face Wild Forest School sessions have been temporarily put on hold due to the pandemic. But with some primary pupils back in the classroom, the trust’s education team is back working at Merrydale Junior School, Northfields.

The Wild Forest School sessions allow Year 5 and 6 pupils to spend time outdoors within the grounds of their school, learning about nature.

Martha Rose, senior education officer at Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said: “We know it’s a tough time for schools at the moment, and we also know about the many benefits that outdoor learning brings to children.

“We worked with Merrydale Junior School before the lockdown and it’s great for our team to be able to go back there and give pupils a chance to experience nature and enjoy themselves, whilst also helping teachers by offering activities that can be done with social distancing measures in place.

“Our focus is on exciting activities that are educational but also great fun, such as building a campfire and learning about safety around flames, as well as whittling sticks that can then be used to roast marshmallows.

“The children who have taken part so far have loved being able to get outside for an afternoon and spend time with their friends safely, and we are thrilled to be giving these Year 6 pupils some special memories during their last few weeks of primary school.

“It’s also been lovely to work with children via our virtual Wild Forest School, and we hope to increase the number of sessions that we provide in the coming weeks.”