CHILDREN from Byley Primary School enjoyed a forest school experience near Middlewich with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.


The budding young bushcraft experts took part in a day of activities supported by local company H. W. Coates, hosted in woodland next to the company’s Byley distribution depot.


The Forest School concept was developed in Scandinavia and aims to encourage youngsters to get up-close and personal with wildlife and the local environment through bushcraft skills, art and structured outdoor play.


The day was focused around a main camp where children are able to discover simple survival skills like building and maintaining a fire, constructing dens and shelters, and creating artwork from natural materials found around the woodland.


Children also get to learn how residents of the woodland such as bats are able to hunt and track down their prey using echolocation.


All of the activities are designed to take place in a safe and secure environment but one that allows the children to maximise their opportunities to get close to and explore nature.


Laura Ackerley, a teacher at Byley Primary School, said: "The children really enjoyed the day and have learnt loads of new skills, in fact they have all been talking about the day ever since.


“We’d like to thank H.W. Coates for the opportunity to take part and I know the children would love to do it again."


The Forest School concept has already been used by several Wildlife Trusts and is one of a number of strategies available aiming to tackle improved fitness levels in youngsters and encourage team building and improved social skills.