Wooldale Junior School, Holmfirth
In October 2007 we met with the school to discuss how they could develop their school grounds to provide all year round use incorporating a wide range of features to complement their existing outdoor learning programmes.
In response, and working closely with children and staff at the school, we designed and developed a site plan and a costed breakdown of all the features discussed.
The school had some money to contribute towards the project, but not enough for all of the features. Instead of reducing the specification, we applied for an additional grant and secured the remaining funds required.
Wooldale Wildspace Project
A hard surfaced meandering Woodland Trail was created, passing by the newly created pond, complete with safety fence and new native aquatic plants, over a bridge passing above a hibernacular river that snakes throughout the Trail and down towards the Quiet Area and Bird Hide. The bird hide overlooks a feeding station hidden from the Trail by timber screens. Bird, bat, insect and hedgehog boxes are dotted along the Trail and information boards add further educational resources. A timber boardwalk continues the Woodland Trail to the covered outdoor classroom with its nearby raised beds, water butt, seating and a table.
The school's gardening club have got a head start with their tomatoes with the provision of a greenhouse fitted with toughened glass. A network of paths enables access in the wettest of conditions.
The children have been keenly involved throughout. After we discussed the project in an assembly, classes were keen to help plant trees, wildflowers and bulbs, and they have also sown wildflower seed and decorated wooden animal shapes which now brighten up the outdoor classroom.
