Students design outdoor classroom

A FIRE pit, living willow structures and recycled tyre planters can now be used by Nailsea pupils to enable them to get up close with nature.

Students from Nailsea School, with the help of teacher Beccy Hollingdale, have transformed part of the grounds into an outdoor classroom and nature area for everyone to use.

The developing engagement with nature (DEN) scheme aims to boost pupils’ education with gardening, bushcraft and environmental art.

The space was designed by the students, who also want to create a plastic bottle greenhouse, add mosaic seating and set up a community beehive.

Nailsea Community Trust was so impressed with the project it has donated a £4,500 grant to the school to enable it to expand the local resource.

The money will pay for tools and plants as well as a workshop for the community and double gates to the DEN.

Nancy Elliott, from the community trust, said: “We are very excited about helping this new project get off the ground.

“We think it’s a brilliant opportunity for the young people of Nailsea and the wider community to learn about the natural environment that surrounds us, and gain skills that have value both personally and environmentally.

“The trust’s directors have been impressed by the enthusiasm, experience and knowledge that Ms Hollingdale shares with everyone involved in the project.

“We believe Nailsea School has created a valuable resource and the trust wishes the DEN every success as it grows and becomes an asset to the whole community.”

Residents can now also hire out the facility for events or training or attend the community workshops.

To find out about the events or to register your ideas visit www.nailseaschool.com