Woodland Trust & TK Maxx create winning pupil’s classroom design
On Friday April 30th pupils from Elmstead Market Primary School visited the Woodland Trust’s site at Elmstead Market, the location of a new outdoor learning area which was designed in their classrooms.
The idea for the learning area was conceived by TK Maxx – a major supporter of the Trust’s work at the site - 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. The winning design is now being created in the charity’s 105 acre wood at Elmstead Market.
The winning design was conceived by Jack Berry, a Year 4 pupil at the school: “When I found out I’d won I was mega excited! We all had a lot of fun coming up with some cool ideas for the classroom and I can’t wait to see it for real.”
On the day 30 pupils were joined by a chainsaw artist, who created a sun-dial at the centre of the classroom. The youngsters helped to plant some of the 1,500 hedge plants, which will form the perimeter of the new learning area.
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.
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.”
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 about the site visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/wood/Elmstead-Market
Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, email: media@woodlandtrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three key aims: i) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees ii) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future iii) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.