Local children design outdoor classroom
Pupils from Elmstead Market Primary School have visited the site of a new outdoor learning area, which they designed in the classroom.
The idea for the learning area was conceived by TK Maxx, which wished to bring local children closer to nature. Years four, five and six entered the competition - with the winning entry being chosen by the Woodland Trust. Their design is now being created in the charity’s new 105 acre wood at Elmstead Market, near Colchester.
On the day 30 children will be joined by a chainsaw artist, who is creating a sun-dial at the centre of the classroom. The youngsters will be helping to plant some of the 1,500 hedge plants, which will form the perimeter of the new learning area.
The work with the school has been made possible by the generosity of TK Maxx, which is working in partnership with the Woodland Trust. The store chain is directly funding 15 acres of woodland after raising tens of thousands of pounds by charging customers for plastic bags in store - leading to a 75% reduction in nationwide TK Maxx store plastic bag use.
John Brown, from the Woodland Trust, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the pupils from Elmstead Primary School, who submitted some great designs. However, there could only be one winner and thanks to the support of TK Maxx, we are able to make this winning design a reality.
“The Trust hopes this learning area inspires the children to develop a life-long affection for UK woodland, which is vital if we are to realise our long term vision to double native woodland cover in the UK.”
The outdoor classroom consists of a sun-dial in the centre which is surrounded by 12 seats – one for each hour. Each seat sits two children, so a class of 24 can take school lessons in the countryside.
The new learning area sits near the archaeological remains of a Neolithic hut and will nestle amongst thousands of newly planted trees which will grow up into much needed new woodland.
Jo Murphy, head of CSR at TK Maxx, which is part of TJX Europe, said: “We are committed to working with the Woodland Trust to build a better future for children. The outdoor learning area has been created by us as part of our commitment to local communities and as part of our environmental strategy to preserve native woodland. We are delighted with the design of this outdoor classroom and hope that the children will really benefit from learning outside with nature.”
TK Maxx began charging customers for core carrier bags in August 2008 as part of its commitment to reducing waste. The partnership began in 2004 when TK Maxx began recycling cards in store for the charity’s annual Christmas Card Recycling Scheme.
For more information on the partnership log onto www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/tkmaxx