70% of youngsters in inner city schools think cotton comes from sheep and more than half think oranges and bananas grow happily in the UK.
Royal Highland Trust, 2002

Reconnecting young people with their environment is a priority, particularly for those living in urban areas. Environmental education nurtures understanding and respect for the environment on our doorstep and embraces wider issues such as climate change, biodiversity and recycling. Forestry fits neatly with the national curriculum in areas such as citizenship, science, geography and education for sustainable development.

The Mersey Forest Partnership aims to bring the forest environment to life for a range of age groups by providing an outdoor classroom and education centre to deliver programmes that build on the curiosity and energy of young people. The school environment itself is also being transformed from bleak areas of tarmac and grass to stimulating environments for learning and play - thanks to our school grounds development work. A recent survey of teachers working with us to improve their school grounds found that the project had improved pupils’ behaviour, reduced accidents and conflicts within the playground, improved the image of the school and had helped reduce staff stress levels.

“There has been a massive reduction in vandalism. Children come into class ready to work now, instead of being angry. The OFSTED inspectors also noted how well the children played.”

- Mr. Brennan. Headteacher, St Bernard’s Primary School, one of the schools working to improve its school grounds.

To find out how this work fits into The Mersey Forest's strategy, click here.