St Leonards CE Primary Academy
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it" Proverb 22:6
Yurt
Forest School Yurt Project
We are thrilled to share the exciting development of our Forest School site: the construction of a traditional Mongolian yurt, a vision brought to life by our headteacher, Faith Rew. This new addition supports our long-term goal of preserving the site’s ecology while enhancing outdoor learning throughout the year.
As our Forest School continues to grow, so does our awareness of the impact of seasonal footfall—particularly during the winter months, when the ground becomes saturated and vulnerable to erosion. The yurt offers a sustainable and respectful solution, allowing us to reduce footfall on the woodland floor during wetter weather, while still offering the rich, nature-connected learning experiences our children love.
The project began with the removal of the old prayer space, followed by the excavation and construction of a large wooden deck to serve as a solid and level base. Our pupils played an important role, helping with preparation tasks such as moving earth, laying foundations, splitting blocks, and painting the new deck. Their sense of ownership and pride has been a powerful part of the process.
With the help of volunteers from BMJ Rendering and Plastering, we assembled the beautiful Mongolian yurt—a circular, wooden-framed structure wrapped in durable weatherproof canvas. Now proudly standing at the heart of our woodland, the yurt provides a warm, dry, and calming space where children can gather, reflect, take shelter, and learn even in challenging weather.
This yurt not only offers practical benefits but also embodies our ethos of respect for nature, community involvement, and child-led exploration. We are excited to see it become a cherished hub for storytelling, group work, mindful moments, and seasonal celebrations. Please enjoy a gallery of the project below:
Thank you to everyone who supported this project—and to our children for their hard work and enthusiasm in bringing this vision to life.