Students taking part in the Forest School elective restored and replenished the existing garden beds, preparing them for planting.

The project has also been supported by three local organisations, with GoodGym volunteers, M Group and Hartwood Treeworks all contributing to the construction of the Forest School area. Their work has helped turn an overgrown and neglected part of the site into a valuable outdoor learning environment.

The Forest School has already been used for a range of activities, including making animal and insect crafts from natural materials, and team-building challenges. Looking ahead, the revitalised space will form part of a broader educational offer for students who need additional support, giving them another setting to learn and develop skills outside the classroom.

The Forest School is one of a wide range of electives available to students at West Exe, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, alongside activities including eSports, climbing, British Sign Language, Junior Master Chef, digital music production and community art.

Jamie Engineer, headteacher at West Exe School, said:“It has been a real joy to see our students getting stuck into the Forest School project and helping to shape the space they will be using. A huge thank you to GoodGym, M Group and Hartwood Treeworks for their hard work and support in creating the area. We’re looking forward to seeing how the space develops and the opportunities it will give our students.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:“The Forest School is a great example of the opportunities West Exe gives students to develop skills through practical, hands-on experiences. It is also wonderful to see the school working with its local community to create a space that students can learn and enjoy.”