IF you go down to the woods today… you’re likely to find Frodsham Primary Academy children hard at work!

A tree planting scheme organised by the Woodland Trust has seen youngsters from Years 2, 3, and 4 helping to populate nearby Frodsham Woods with more than 150 new young trees.

From a once derelict golf course, the woods have been transformed into a 95-acre haven for wildlife and walkers. Children from Frodsham Primary Academy have now also helped by adding new oak, rowan and birch saplings.

Gemma Callaghan, Head of School at Frodsham Primary Academy, said: “Plots had been assigned in rows with the expectation that the children would bed in up to 60 new trees. We accepted the challenge and working in pairs with the support of family helpers and school staff we managed to plant 165 new saplings, truly exceeding what was planned!

Chester and District Standard: Pupils from Frodsham Primary Academy hard at work.Pupils from Frodsham Primary Academy hard at work. (Image: Frodsham Academy)

“The children thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in what will be part of the community for generations to come. They learnt how to identify the different trees and worked together to ensure the saplings were safely bedded in.

“We spoke about how it would take 40 years for the trees to mature and how they could visit them in the future with their own children and grandchildren and be proud of their contribution to Frodsham Woods.”

Frodsham Primary Academy children are no strangers to life amongst the trees. The school has recently established a forest school programme. Led by teacher Alice Pemberton, each year group receives two hours of forest school each week over a six-week half term, enjoying a range of hands-on tasks and activities in the school’s extensive wooded grounds. The sessions are designed to enhance the children’s wellbeing and help them develop problem-solving skills.

Forest school has won the approval of Year 4 pupil Jeff-James, who said: “Forest school is so much fun, we can build dens, bridges and make musical instruments.”

Reception pupil Archie added: “I love forest school, we get really wet and muddy and Miss Pemberton lights the fire!”

And as the children head towards Easter, they will have the chance to enjoy forest school activities after the school day, with the launch of a new extracurricular forest school club.

Gemma Callaghan added: “Forest school recognises the importance of play for all ages. We have seen children taking risks, setting their own challenges and showing high levels of collaboration and perseverance.

“We are very lucky to have such fabulous grounds at Frodsham Academy and Miss Pemberton's knowledge and skills and enthusiasm are having such a positive impact on all the children.”