Forest school revamp brings outdoor learning to life

Pond dipping is back on the curriculum at Sutton Park Primary School in Kidderminster, thanks to award winning construction firm McPhillips.

Working on behalf of Wyre Forest District Council, a team from McPhillips has revitalised the forest school area in the school grounds.

The revamped space includes the enhancement of an existing pond and the addition of a variety of new plants all aimed at encouraging local wildlife and supporting hands-on environmental learning.

This initiative forms part of McPhillips’ commitment to delivering social value through community-focused projects. It is part of the major improvement work currently taking place nearby at Brinton Park, which is undergoing a nearly £3 million transformation thanks to a £2.4 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A wide selection of pond plants were bought from the Emily Jordan Foundation, a local charity that supports people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilled lives.

The enhanced forest school area will give Sutton Park Primary students an enriched outdoor classroom where they can explore biodiversity, study ecosystems, and learn more about the natural world around them.

Stuart MacKenzie, Director of McPhillips, said: “We’re proud to support Wyre Forest District Council in not only delivering infrastructure improvements but also giving back to the communities we work in. The revitalised forest school area will support outdoor learning for years to come, and we’re delighted to play a part in that.”

Councillor Tracey Onslow, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety at Wyre Forest District Council, said: “This is a fantastic example of how public sector projects can deliver real, lasting benefits to local communities.

“The improvements at Sutton Park Primary’s Forest school will give children even more opportunities to engage with nature, helping them learn about sustainability and the environment in a fun, interactive way.”

This project highlights the importance of delivering meaningful community benefits through public works, ensuring that educational and environmental gains go hand-in-hand with physical improvements.

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