Published: Monday 20th June 2016 | 4.44pm
Year 6 children from St. Peter’s C of E Primary School helped sow poppy seeds at Hednesford War Memorial, as part of the Forest Schools Program.
Forest Schools is a program that aims to foster a relationship with nature through regular personal experiences in order to develop long-term, environmentally sustainable attitudes and practices in staff, learners and the wider community.
Cannock Chase Council established the Forest School program in June 2015 as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund project. The education program in Hednesford Park has been able to fund Forest School training through Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “The Forest Schools program is an excellent initiative. I am delighted that we are able to run an education program from Hednesford Park for local schools. It is lovely to see the children enjoying the outdoors whilst they are learning.”
The Forest School program also helps young people learn how a careless fire in our local environment puts a huge strain on our local Fire Service resources. Forest School enables young people to light fires safely and the equipment you need to keep yourself and the environment safe. Our local Community Fire Safety Officer attended to explain what goes into providing a safe service and how careless fires by young arsonist’s costs lives.
Samantha Price, Head Teacher at St. Peter’s Church of England Primary School said “We are delighted to have been able to access outdoor learning through the Forest School at Hednesford Park. This is an excellent resource for the community and all of the staff and pupils have thoroughly enjoyed the learning opportunities that it has provided.”
Cannock Chase Council Forest School program currently supports three local schools and intends to extend the project out to all local schools by the end of the Heritage Lottery Programme.
All of the children from St. Peters Church of England Primary School, Hednesford will have had the opportunity to attend Forest School Sessions in Hednesford Park during this academic year.