Environmental Area Survey Report for Potton Lower School by Ian Henderson Forest Owl
September 2014
Brief We were asked to asses the piece of ground referred to as “The Environmental Area” in order to: • Establish the current state of the area and its assets • Assess the feasibility of setting up an outdoor classroom & running a Forest School there.
Executive Summary The area has enormous potential to become a valuable resource for the school which can be utilised both for the school’s own purposes and potentially offered to neighbouring schools in order to generate an income stream. However, there needs to be a significant investment of time and some money in order to bring the site to it’s full potential. It should be viewed as a brownfield site rather than a greenfield site so we have therefore broken down what can potentially be realised in the short, medium and long term.
Geography • The Area is a disused railway cutting that runs parallel to the school playing field. • It measures approximately 1750 square metres. • The site is, with the exception of the small garden area, essentially overgrown with self set bushes, brambles and a mass of ivy and stinging nettles. • Access is therefore restricted to a few paths that cover the centre of the north end of the site, the rest is impassable.
Playing Field
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• There are almost no trees. • There is no stream or watercourse currently, that may change in heavy rainfall in winter but we think it unlikely. • The ground is very steep in places in the nature of of its previous life as a cutting. • It is sheltered from the wind and has areas that are sun exposed and some that are very sheltered.
Access Point
Garden Area
Current State Investigation of the perimeter of the site show that all manner of rubbish and junk has been dumped on the site, most notably at the north end where there is a lot of glass and metal. The boundary of the site is fenced all round by chain link fencing with the exception of the south end where the boundary has been breached and the fence broken. There is a gate at the north west corner which is the access point via new steps. Underfoot there are multiple trip hazards, mainly ground level brambles. The combination of brambles and stinging nettles has crowded out more interesting and useful plants. Ivy is strangling most of the small trees. The few Elder bushes on site are old and dry and so of limited use. There is at least one apple tree.
Potential for Immediate Use Resources on site are very limited. A lack of trees, usable Elder & running water means that forest school building materials and fuel are almost non-existent. Having assessed the site geography, we have identified a small usable area towards the south of the site. This area has a silver birch tree with good height for a centre line to aid rigging of a tarpaulin for a shelter. This is essential if the site is going to be used all year round. This space has capacity for approximately 15 pupils. We have cleared the area to assess suitability as it was under 1 metre high brambles and stinging nettles. Having cleared this overgrowth we also discovered that there were numerous metal objects including the remains of a very old bicycle found on the ground. We then created a path by clearing further south to provide a viewing point over the area and as an indication of a more accessible and potentially wheelchair friendly route in. More site clearing would need to take place before the area is safe for children to explore, however once this is achieved it will start to be an amazing place to teach and learn. This includes: • cutting back of brambles • nettles strimmed • ivy brought under control • rubbish removed Attention is needed to the fence at the south end of the cutting to discourage external visitors and to make safe.
Once this has been achieved we would then be able to offer some outdoor learning activities such as: • small group Forest School (6 pupils) • story telling • land art projects • photography • tracking • challenging behaviour groups
Wildlife There is plentiful evidence of a number of common animals in the cutting including: • Fox • Badger • Rat • Mouse • Vole • Owl Motion sensing infra red cameras were used on a busy animal track and recorded both fox and badger active along with a domestic cat.
Short – Medium Term Once the site is opened up further planting can take place to keep the stinging nettle and brambles at bay. Wild grasses and flowers can be introduced to bring in a more diverse range of insects and cover for more small mammals. Trees can be planted to bring in much needed resources and again attract more wildlife. Nesting boxes can be added along with feeding stations and water. including high level feeding stations viewable from the playing field All of these activities can involve the children and create learning opportunities. For example: A class by class seed bomb of the area could be included into the curriculum giving every child the opportunity to take part in a memorable event with long term outcomes.
Long Term Ideas for the site long term could include: • • • • • • • • • •
Wildlife viewing hides Wheelchair accessible slope and paths Toilets Teaching area Sensory area Outdoor theatre Observation deck Tree planting High level feed stations Wooden classroom
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Willow reading areas and shelters Sculpture trail Model railway Wildflower meadow Climbing wall Mountain bike trail Fitness trail Pond Camera Obscurer
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Next Steps Underneath the brambles, stinging nettles and rubbish is an amazing space that can be used to bring adventure, forest school values and nature into the lives of every child at the school. This will bring with it huge benefits to all and really set the school apart. In order to get there we have the following ideas for discussion: Formulation of a project team to ensure realistic goals, time scales and actions points are set. A presentation & talk about Forest School and plans for the area for parents with the aim of recruiting a volunteer work force to carry out clearing up. Formulating an approach to local businesses to sponsor the clear up and or the development of the area. An approach to the college to potentially involve environmental studies students or similar to become involved in clear up and development. A communication strategy to the local community to deter future littering and fly tipping and encourage their support of the redevelopment of this space.
FOREST OWL SESSIONS HELP DEVELOP TRANSFERABLE SKILLS AND DELIVER POSITIVE OUTCOMES INCLUDING: • • • • • • • •
Confidence and Self esteem Team Work Creative Thinking Communication Motivation to learn Enjoyment of the outdoors Stimulates differing learning styles Physical Activity
Forest Owl, 61-63 St Peter’s St, Bedford. MK40 2PR Tel: 01234 868637 www.forestowl.org.uk