A NEW development is encouraging schoolchildren to get to grips with the learning power of nature.

Children and staff at St George’s Catholic Primary School, Worcester, have been actively involved in the development and use of the school’s new Forest School development which encourages the children to learn through nature.

The development, which took three weeks to complete, was achieved with a local authority grant. Mike Painter, headteacher, said: “The children are really enthusiastic about it. They’ve already come up with new ideas for the development like a prayer corner.”

The children take part in a number of after-school activities using the forest, teaching them how to act safely in an outdoor environment. They also cook over an open fire, toast marshmallows and inspect the wildlife in the area. Mr Painter said the children love the area and are keen to use it as much as possible.

He said: “The children get to use all their senses at once in the outdoor area, which enhances their experience of it.

“The teachers have seen a real energy coming from the children. It makes learning fun for them and they really enjoy it. They are keen to use it as much as possible, especially as they were involved in every part of the development.”