YOUNGSTERS at Statham Primary School in Lymm are returning to nature this term when a brand new wildlife activity centre is put to use for the first time.
Pictures show L-R Ben Hughes, Mrs Rooney and Elliot Southern
Pupils from all year groups will benefit from the purpose-built, outdoor teaching space, which is set within the grounds of the school.
It includes 42m sq environmentally-sustainable cabin, with running water and electricity as well as an outdoor story-telling circle, set under a timber canopy area next to the school’s pond. The centre will extend the school’s commitment to pupils’ learning about the wildlife and the natural environment.
Statham youngsters already take part in weekly Forest School sessions, held in woodland at the rear of the site. A gardening club also runs on Tuesdays – the school entered its own display into ‘Lymm in Bloom’ this year.
The £30,000 activity centre was paid for by PTA fundraising, along with funding from a lottery grant. Work was completed in July 2015 ready for the new 2015/16 school year.
Jane Rooney, co-head teacher at Statham Primary said: “The wildlife activity centre has been designed to help our pupils further explore the natural world around them and learn more about the environment.
“It’s been a dream for a long time and we’ve been planning its design for over two years. Now that dream is a reality.
“We feel it’s a fantastic use of the outdoor space that the school has. The children will gain so much from it. It will add a new dimension to their outdoor studies. The teaching staff can’t wait to start using it this autumn term.”
