CHILDREN at an Ely primary school hope new wildlife habitats will encourage newts and lizards to their Forest School.
Last week youngsters at the Lantern Community Primary School helped install four small bird nest boxes and four open nest boxes around Forest School, as well as admiring new refuges for amphibians, reptiles and bugs.
The new additions were purchased for the school by the Friends of the Lantern School charity, after successfully acquiring a £200 grant from Good Vibes Local’s Great Little Giveaway.
The money was spent on boulders and pots as well as bird boxes, to boost biodiversity and encourage students to get closer to nature.
Forest School leader Emma Holland said she hoped the new rockeries created by the boulders and pots would create sanctuaries for more native species.
She said: “The children are really excited about the possibility of having newts and lizards in Forest School. They are keen to encourage new wildlife into the area.”
Mrs Holland added: “We have lots of birds that we see and listen to. They will be glad of all the new nesting boxes.
“We have frogs in the pond and in spring the children dip for tadpoles. The pots will provide safe havens for the frogs throughout the year. The children see the life cycle of frogs first hand.”
Mrs Holland said: “Funding for Forest School habitats gives these children every opportunity to connect with nature. These are important experiences that will stay with them through adulthood.”
Friends of the Lantern School chair and mum of seven Meredith Hux Atkins said the Good Vibes Local Grant would enhance the Forest School experience and encourage the next generation of eco warriors.
She said: “We are so grateful for this grant. Times are tough and every little really does make a difference. Forest School is such an important part of the Lantern and welcoming new species to this wonderful space will bring a lot of joy and excitement as well as helping boost biodiversity locally.”
The Lantern School and Goslings Pre-School have been running Forest School sessions for many years as part of their school curriculum, using a dedicated area of woodland at the back of the school to nurture children’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Lottie, seven, said she enjoyed “climbing trees and helping Mrs Holland to light fires”, while Laura, eight, liked playing hide and seek in the forest. Meanwhile Theo, eight, enjoyed “lighting fires and toasting marshmallows”, while Kara, seven, liked playing on the chair swing.
Press Release from Friends of The Lantern School.
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