Developer builds forest school for Bengeo Primary

Housebuilder Durkan Homes has teamed up with a group of twelve contractors working at its Bengeo housing development, The Stiles, to transform an overgrown area at the back of Bengeo Primary School's playing fields, into a forest school and place for outdoor learning.

The contractors have landscaped the once overgrown area to create new pathways and flower beds, along with a large fire pit area where the children can enjoy outdoor stories and performances.

The work has been funded by Durkan Homes and its contractors, also involved the installation of a new timber cabin and an extra classroom for forest school activities.

Bill Beyzade, Managing Director at Durkan Homes commented, "This has been a real labour of love for all involved and the entire team has worked tirelessly to transform the area. We're delighted with the results and are looking forward to seeing the reaction of the children when they return in September for the new school term.

"Community is very much at the heart of what we do. We're not just building homes, we're creating communities for the future and that means investing in the education and learning of young people in the areas in which we work. Post-pandemic we're all much more aware of the benefits that time outdoors and proximity to nature can deliver for both physical and mental well-being. It's been a real pleasure for all involved to donate our time and create a space that we hope will last for generations to come."

Justine Page, Headteacher at Bengeo Primary School, said, "Outdoor learning has an important part to play in our approach and reinforces our desire to provide children with learning opportunities that support their physical and mental wellbeing.

"A forest school is an outdoor environment providing opportunities for a child-centred learning process that focuses on investigation, exploration and supported risk-taking. It will make a huge difference to our pupils to have a dedicated forest school area, and because we plan to use our forest school whatever the weather, the new cabin will provide valuable under-cover space as we head into autumn and winter.

"We're sure our pupils will love the opportunity for more outdoor exploration and really benefit from all a forest school has to offer. We're grateful to Durkan Homes and all its contractors for the time and effort they've contributed to this project."

Contractors who contributed to the project include Down to Earth landscapers, bricklayers Allgood Services, JSJ Roofing, Wheeler Electrical and Unique Window Systems. Groundwork was done by J F Lindsay Civil Engineering Limited, with metalwork by Graywood Engineering and carpentry by PJA Carpentry. R G Taylor Engineering installed the plumbing whilst painting was done by H S Hurst Limited. Finally, Shortlands provided plastering services, elecrical works were understaken by Wheeler Electrical, tikling by W R S Contracts and scaffolding by D and B Scaffolding.