Projects

Rewilding Our Forest School Site: A Whole-School Project

At St Leonards, we are embarking on an exciting rewilding project to transform our Forest School site, bringing it closer to nature and enhancing our outdoor learning environment. Rewilding is the process of allowing natural ecosystems to regenerate, creating spaces where wildlife can thrive. This approach is integral to the Forest School ethos, as it encourages children to connect with the natural world, understand its delicate balance, and actively participate in its restoration.

Dig for Victory

As part of this vision, we’ve removed old animal enclosures from the site and repurposed the reclaimed railway sleepers to build raised beds with the children. This not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability but also provides a practical, hands-on project for the students to engage with.

Our Year 6 class has taken a lead role in this project. While studying WWII and the “Dig for Victory” campaign, which encouraged people to grow their own food during wartime, they have created their very own Victory Garden in our newly built raised beds. This ties brilliantly into their studies, giving them a tangible link between history and the environment. As they plant and prepare the beds, their efforts are a reflection of the wartime slogan: "Grow Your Own Food – Help Win the War!" With the hope of harvesting our own produce, the children will soon be cooking with the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor, deepening their understanding of sustainable living.

A special thank you goes to Gardenscape, whose generous donation of topsoil and compost has made this project possible. Gardenscape is a leading supplier of high-quality gardening products, including compost, soil, and mulch. They offer delivery to homes and businesses across the UK, helping to create beautiful gardens and green spaces. Without their support, this enrichment of our Forest School site—and the children's learning—would not have been possible. For more information about their products and services, please visit their website at gardenscapedirect.co.uk or contact them at 0800 854 663.

Through this rewilding project, we are not only creating a richer, more biodiverse space for our Forest School, but we are also teaching our children the importance of sustainability, resilience, and their role in protecting the natural world. Together, we are growing more than just plants—we are nurturing future advocates for our environment.