What became of the mini forest at Stithians Primary School

Three years ago, a grassy bank at Stithians Primary School was dotted with bare saplings and neat squares of bark chip. Go back now and the children are playing among the trees.

Forest for Cornwall recently revisited the ‘Mini Forest’ it planted at the school. The trees are well established, and it has become a favourite spot for the pupils to play in.

The before and after photos were shared by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership, which is using them to ask a question of other schools.

📷The mini forest when it was first planted. Credit: Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership

Free training for schools, nurseries and colleges

Do you manage school, nursery or college grounds? Would you like more wildlife in your playground?

The partnership is pointing people towards a free online training course about bringing nature into school grounds and playgrounds. It is run by Education Nature Park.

What the course covers

• What biodiversity is and why it is important
• The actions you can take in your grounds to support biodiversity
• How your management contributes to improving the school, nursery or college’s environmental and financial sustainability
• Where to find further information and guidance

How to book

Places can be booked now through the Education Nature Park school grounds biodiversity training page.

At Stithians, those bare saplings on the bank are now the place the children head for at playtime.

📷The mini forest today. Credit: Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership