IF you go down to St Mary’s Primary School today...you’re in for a big surprise.

Because a ‘mini forest’ has been built in the Ribble Valley school’s grounds.

In just two days, a 45m by 10m lawn area in the Langho school has been completely transformed into a wooded area.

The forest is enclosed by hedges, has an arched entrance, a path, and an assortment of natural features.

And there is even a seated area in the forest, where teachers and children can gather to learn about nature.

The work was carried out by staff from Clitheroe company Johnson Matthey Plc, with help from the many little hands of St Mary’s pupils.

The project is just one of several that the sustainable technologies company will be carrying out at St Mary’s, after the school successfully bid to become one of two local schools that Johnson Matthey will support over the next three years. Headteacher Janet Malone said the project would inspire future generations.

She added: “The idea behind the forest is that it will enhance the children’s outdoor learning environment. It’s another, different space.

“The children are so excited, we’ve got 45 children who now want to be in gardening club. I can’t put into words how fantastic it is, it’s really amazing what they’ve done in two days.

“The opportunity for children is absolutely fantastic, and it will be there for a long, time in the future.”

James Phillips from Johnson Matthey said: “To make this particularly challenging, the team had only a few weeks to prepare a plan, source materials, work up a properly-costed estimate and deliver a Dragon’s Den-style pitch to secure the necessary funding.

“During this time, the team have been collaborating with local businesses and the Woodland Trust to secure donated plants and materials as well as much-needed advice.”