THE ribbon was cut on the second forest school at Coed Eva Primary School this week, providing 525 pupils in Cwmbran with an outdoor learning environment, writes Alexander Folkard.

The project, which will compliment an existing forest school site, will teach children aged three to 11 the importance of conservation, as well as providing a space for literacy and numeracy classes.

Spearheaded by governors and staff, the project cost £30,000 to complete and includes a dipping pond, log fire and vegetable planters.

Students were treated to a story by Mrs Roberts, a Year One teacher wearing a full witch’s costume, on opening day.

The pupils sat eagerly listening on mushroom-shaped logs around the open fire.

Associate head of Coed Eva Primary School, Claire Moses, said: “The original forest school wasn’t large enough for all our classes, so we’re pleased to be opening our second forest school which will provide two classes a day outdoors.

“We’re a value-based school at Coed Eva and the new forest school reflects our values and those of the children. Teaching children to care for their learning environment is vital.

“Governors commented on how engaged and motivated the pupils were in their new outdoor classroom.”