Undy Primary School's Forest School Receives Biodiversity Boost from Bellway
Undy Primary School, located on Pennyfarthing Lane in Undy, Monmouthshire, has been gifted a collection of bird boxes and bug and hedgehog hotels by national homebuilder Bellway. This generous donation is specifically intended to support the school's Forest School program, which utilizes a dedicated woodland area within the school grounds for regular outdoor education sessions.
Enhancing Outdoor Learning and Environmental Stewardship
The donated items, which will be installed in the Forest School area come spring, aim to directly enhance the children's learning about their local environment and actively promote biodiversity. Reception teacher Bec Summers, who also leads the school's Eco Council, expressed deep appreciation for the contribution.
"This donation from Bellway is much appreciated as these items will enhance the Forest School area," said Summers. "Funding is tight in our school, so we do rely on donations for things like this. We have amazing school grounds and pupils use the Forest School area at least once a week."
The school boasts Forest School-trained staff, enabling pupils to engage in a variety of nature-based activities. These include learning to build and manage campfires, participating in the RSPB bird watch, going bug hunting, and older students undertaking den-building projects.
A Year-Round Educational Resource
The Forest School program is designed to be seasonal and immersive. "We do things related to the seasons so if it's a frosty day, we go down to have a look and, in the spring, we go and see what's growing," explained Summers. "The children get to see the changes all year round. They see the leaves fall and it all growing in the summer and it helps them understand the importance of looking after the environment."
Bellway's donation originates from its commitment at the nearby Alder Grove development, a new housing site located approximately five miles from the school on the outskirts of Newport. Rhodri Davies, Sales Manager for Bellway Wales, highlighted the synergy between the company's work and the school's educational goals.
"The children at Undy Primary School are very lucky to have such a wonderful Forest School area within the grounds where they can learn all about biodiversity, sustainability and looking after the environment all year round," said Davies. "We hope our gift encourages lots of wildlife in the Forest School area and provides memorable opportunities for the pupils to learn about them."
Aligning with Broader Environmental Goals
Davies further connected the donation to Bellway's corporate environmental strategy. "Improving biodiversity is an important part of our work as a housebuilder, and this is something we're seeing at Alder Grove, where the regeneration of the site includes the planting of new trees and the creation of green corridors."
The school's Eco Council plans to formally announce the new bird boxes and wildlife hotels to the entire student body during a forthcoming school assembly, ensuring all pupils are aware of the new resources soon to be available in their outdoor classroom.
