Opened in Cleator Moor, Cumbria, Nature School is a new outdoor learning environment that provides a space for members of the community to connect. Where there were once weeds, litter and abandoned bicycles, there is now an outdoor classroom, fruit trees, raised beds, a fire pit and a wildlife pond.

The initiative, run by and located at St Patrick’s Primary School, and supported by the Sellafield Ltd Engineering Centre of Excellence, has been made possible thanks to Arborscape Environmental Services, Nexus, The Decommissioning Alliance (TDA), ADAPT, and Integrated Decommissioning Solutions (IDS).

 

 

Using horticultural and landscaping expertise from Arborscape, support from the supply chain and a shared vision with St Patrick’s Primary School where the land is based, the area has evolved into a purpose-built community space that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Commenting is Rob Reid, a year six teacher at St Patrick’s School.

“The area where the Nature School now sits was an overgrown patch of wasteland, much of which was too boggy to use. As a school, we identified the need to provide usable outdoor learning space to enhance the curriculum and pupil wellbeing.

 

 

“We also wanted to provide a space that could be used by the wider community groups in the area. Working with the school, Arborscape, Sellafield, and the supply chain, we have delivered a truly one-of-a-kind resource for the school and local groups.

“While the staff and children at St Patrick’s have already been spending time in the Nature School, we can’t wait to get groups from other schools and the wider community in and using the facilities on site, eating from the orchard, caring for the garden and generally spending time in nature.”