Pupils, staff and parents have celebrated the opening of a new outdoor forest school area in Barnoldswick.

The grand opening at Salterforth Primary School was also graced by the Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Brian Newman,  governors, families and local community groups. Pupils Isabelle Gould and Florence Plummer officially bestowed the name Salterwood on the area.

Salterwood invites students to engage in a range of hands-on activities, from den building and knot tying to gathering around a fire pit in a purpose-built seating circle. The addition of large planting areas for fruits and vegetables and a newly planted woodland, aims to connect students with the environment. 

Chair of Governors, Linda Dowbiggin said: “Our children will get so much from learning in such an incredible space. Come rain or shine, it’s all about building confidence, having fun and creating special memories with friends.” 

Thomas King, 10, said: “I am really looking forward to exploring and investigating the nature around school. The best bit is the fire pit with seating where I can sit with my friends and chat. Salterwood is now my favourite playground in school.”

Sister Edie, seven, added: “It’s amazing! My favourite part is the real-life pond with a bridge over and we get to light the best fires to toast yummy marshmallows.” 

Fellow pupil, Jude McNamara, 11, said: “I think it’s great that we can do more outdoor learning and teach the younger ones how to be safe outside. It is also great that it is inclusive for all the children.” 

Mrs Horsfield, whose daughter attends the school, said: “What a transformation and a fabulous addition to our school. 

“Both my children love to be outdoors and will gain so much from hands-on life experiences in a natural setting. They arrived home from their first session enthused to tell me all about it. The best days always end in muddy clothes.” 

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Local groups played a role in making Salterwood a reality, contributing to the funding that brought the transformative project to fruition. 

Salterforth Parish Council, Salterforth in Bloom, The Salterforth Funday committee and the Robert Windle Foundation have all supported the school's efforts. 

Assistant headteacher Laura Barlow, who is also one of the forest school leaders, said: "Our new forest school site is a fabulous addition to our school. Every child will benefit from this fantastic resource gaining skills and knowledge that cannot be provided in the classroom as well as the benefits it will provide to their mental health and wellbeing.” 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Headteacher, Vikki Havers-Strong, said "This has been a herculean effort on behalf of the school and the support from local community groups has been incredibly important and very much appreciated. 

“We are very proud to be a school that promotes every aspect of our children's development. We are a small school with a big heart and aim to provide the very best education, nurture every aspect of our children's development and give them memories that will hopefully last a lifetime. 

“Our new forest school redevelopment project will now allow for even more experiences for our children.”