ACTIVE pupils at Portishead Primary School have been helping to turn their outdoor space into a natural adventure playground.

North Somerset Times: Pupils with the characterised log play equipment placed in memory of former headteacher Mike Scriven.Pupils with the characterised log play equipment placed in memory of former headteacher Mike Scriven. (Image: Archant)

More than 40 youngsters got hands-on weaving a willow fence around the school grounds while mums and dads helped build a play path.

Meanwhile, contractors and members of the Conservation Volunteers team gave the school’s Pirate Island a makeover and installed a climbing frame made from a hollow tree trunk. The frame will be dedicated to the school’s former headteacher Mike Scriven who died earlier this year.

The work is the first phase of the school’s Free Range Kids campaign to get children outside exploring, climbing, den-building and enjoying nature as generations did before them.

Pupils have designed a three-to-five year master plan and the Friends of School group is raising money to realise their vision bit by bit, with help from the school governors.

Friends of School chairman Berkeley Harris said: “It’s looking brilliant so far and the children are very excited. We’d like to say a special thank you to the Molson Group who loaned us a digger and dumper truck for two weeks, and also to Westcoast Properties and the Conservation Volunteers for supporting us.”

Headteacher Richard Riordan said: “It’s been fantastic to see the pupils’ designs coming to life and to see so many young helpers weaving willow and having fun. That’s what Free Range Kids is all about.”

Friends of School are now looking for other local companies willing to sponsor future phases. Anyone interested can call the school on 01275 843360 and leave a message for Berkeley Harris.