YOUNGSTERS at an Ellesmere Port school have been having a tree-mendous time this term.

Westminster Primary School was delighted to welcome the team from Mersey Forest.

The children celebrated their successful bid for trees by planting them on their school field.

The planting of these trees not only paves the way to a brighter future for the children and community but also is a step closer to the development of Westminster’s Forest School.

As groups of children were busy planting trees, the rest of the school took part in forest school activities which included orienteering, den building, scavenger hunts and environmental art, where the children produced a piece of artwork using natural resources they had collected during the day.

After such a busy morning, the children enjoyed a forest-themed lunch of campfire stew, wood-burned jacket potatoes and hedgehog cakes.

Maria, the school cook, was on hand throughout the day serving hot chocolate too. All of the children and staff had a fabulous day.

Jennifer Gilbert, EYFS teacher and Emma Dunn, deputy head, launched Westminster’s Forest School this year.

Forest school sessions provide children with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. The sessions offer a structured, healthy and ecological approach to outdoor learning, which is child-led.

Children in Westminster Primary School have thoroughly enjoyed their forest school sessions, taking part in a range of activities; from den building, campfires, scavenger hunts, and environmental art to observing and identifying plants and wildlife.

The children all said what a wonderful day they had and are looking forward to watching the trees grow in the future.