Boost for outdoor learning at Avonmouth school
Overgrown woodland area gets an overhaul
National Grid's carbon-neutral landscaping partner, Ground Control has begun work to overhaul the outdoor learning space at Avonmouth CofE Primary School.
The Hinkley Connection team are working close to the school and will be removing an existing pylon and conductors that go over the school playing fields. Due to the school's proximity to the works National Grid asked if there were any projects that the school needed support with. We have since funded new playground equipment and laptops. Attention now turns to the woodland area which features a pond and platform, a small fire pit and the remains of several dens which have been built by the children over the years.
The school has been impacted by budget cuts in recent times and despite maintenance efforts by staff and parents, the woodland area has become overgrown. In December, after working closely with the school to agree a new design Ground Control, with support from Balfour Beatty, started work to give the space a much needed makeover.
The pond has now been cleared and trees cut back. By the end of 2023 the area will be transformed into a usable space which is both educational and fun, providing the children with a space to learn about biodiversity.
Works to be carried out this year:
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Adding pathways which are suitable for all weather use and wheelchair users
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Renovating the outdoor classroom area
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Creating a firepit and seating area
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Creating a den building area and mud kitchen
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Renovating the pond dipping platform
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Wildflower planting
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Hedgerow planting
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Installing bird, bat and hedgehog boxes
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Creating log piles
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Further tree works to ensure all trees are safe from adverse weather conditions
The headteacher at Avonmouth CofE Primary School said, "We are extremely grateful for the works that have been carried out to date. We are looking forward to working with National Grid and Ground Control on the next phase and the completion of the project. We are already seeing a huge impact on our children's learning."
Jonathan Richardson, Corporate Social Responsibility officer for National Grid added, "The school is really excited to see the works start. It's a wonderful space the children and we're delighted to be able to leverage the project to support outdoor learning here for years to come."
