Forest School Rebuild

Stage 2- Begin the rebuild (Stage 1 below)

The first stages of rebuilding our cherished Forest School began at the end of Term 1. Again, a number of volunteers showed their support to turn up (despite the drizzly conditions) and lend a hand. 

We have been overwhelmed by support from local businesses, and the first steps of the rebuild was facilitated by a number of companies who donated resources, advice and even gave up their own weekends to come and carry out work themselves. 

During the first stage, paths have been cleared and widened for improved access, paths have been re-surfaced, areas have been prepared for structures to be built, posts have been put up for the fire pit area, a new learning area has been created, containers are ready to make raised flower beds, and we've even used some of the natural materials to make some new (5*) accommodation for our resident creepy crawlies. The bug hotels are already fully booked!

The volunteers were grateful they didn't need to move all this by hand!

We would like to say a special thank you to the following groups who contributed their time, man power and resources (and really cool machines!) to help us with this step:

• AW Rail
• AW Construction
• Countryside Group
• Youngs

We know there are many more who deserve our deepest gratitude; thank you so much to you all!

There is still a lot left to do, including building new structures, creating new learning environments and much more- there are exciting, creative plans in place and we can't wait for everyone to see and enjoy our new and improved Forest School! 

More updates to follow soon.

Stage 1- Clear Up

Work started on clearing the Forest School area in preparation for rebuilding some of our structures ready for our children to enjoy.

During the summer, vandals entered the Forest School area at the top of the field and set fire to two of our main structures, causing a lot of damage, totally destroying both structures as well as all the equipment (tools, pizza oven, resources etc.). 

Our staff, children, families and wider community were naturally devastated by the shocking news but Cheriton Primary School has been overwhelmed by the support shown far and wide. We have received so many word of support as well as many extremely generous donations to help rebuild the Forest School area from current and previous school families as well as other members of the local community who heard the news and were stirred to contribute. We cannot thank you all enough for your kindness and generosity towards rebuilding such a precious part of the children's education.

Please click here for the Go Fund Me page if you would still like to contribute. 

In addition to the members of the public who have shown support, we are also incredibly thankful to a huge number of local businesses who have offered support in providing resources, advice, time and labour to help us restore the Forest School- we are so grateful!

Clear Up- Part 1

Luckily, the sun shone down on us as a number of willing volunteers turned up to complete the first part of the clear up. Remains of burned wood was taken down and cut up (some of which we can use in the future for fire wood), destroyed equipment was cleared and the whole of the area was cleaned out. Our first priority was to make the site safe for children as well as to clear space for the next stage- designing our new structures.

The volunteers worked tirelessly and did an amazing job. There is a little work left to finish clearing, but we are well on our way. Thank you so much for giving up your Saturday to come and help out!

Although it is sad that much of the Forest School area as we remember it is now gone, it is also exciting for us to be able to think BIG and design areas that the children will be able to enjoy in the future.

We look forward to the next steps in the coming weeks, as we finish clearing, improve security and consider designs for our new and improved  Forest School, and will update you on our progress.