Watch: Forest school for Shropshire pupils

Moreton First's new outdoor site is set within the 100 acres of Moreton Hall School in Weston Rhyn.

There was a lot of hard work to do over half-term to create an exciting place for the pupils to have outdoor lessons.

Children from reception to year two visited the new area this week exploring the banks, trees, dens, digging area and bushes.

They made plans for activities they would like to do during their forest school sessions over the next term.

Catherine Ford, headteacher of Moreton First, said: "The children at Moreton First are excited by the prospect of the development of their new forest school area.

"Their input has been an integral part of the process with the youngsters having been consulted about what they would like to do in this stimulating outdoor environment.

"The new areas include opportunities for den building, story telling, digging, gardening and exploring the natural world.

"Forest school leaders are developing strong cross curricular links to enhance the pupils' learning and provide a holistic approach.

"The site will continue to develop over the term."

Based on a Scandinavian idea, forest schools take children away from their classroom and into a specially designed outdoor woodland site.

It also aims to encourage a greater appreciation of the environment.

Shropshire was one of three areas involved in the original Forest School pilot study in 2002.

Experiences in the county led to the rapid spread of forest schools across the UK.

Shropshire Council has a number of woodland sites across the county for schools to access throughout the academic year.

These are situated near Condover and Hadnall, near Shrewsbury, Ludlow and in West Felton, Oswestry. These are sites staffed by qualified forest school leaders, employed by the council.

Moreton First will be holding an open day for children ages three to 11 on Saturday at 10am. Contact registrar@moretonhall.com to book a place.