Hay Warren Trust and Hay Community Woodland Group are pleased to announce the completion of their joint project “Hay Forest School”, located at The Warren, Hay on Wye.

It is a safe and secure area of woodland that has been unused for some years, which we look forward to breathing new life into as an education space.

It will be used by pupils and staff of Hay-on-Wye Primary School for an educational experience in an outdoor environment, where children will learn about nature and acquire skills including shelter building; environmental art; looking at insects, mammal and birds, using tools such as knives and saws safely, and lighting a fire.

Children often learn best from first-hand experiences.

Exploring, playing and learning using a range of activities is what Forest School is all about. Building a sense of independence, high self-esteem and teamwork are important parts of Forest School.

There is much evidence to show how regular experience of Forest School can have dramatic and profound influences on a child’s development.

Statistics show that children of all abilities make better progress when Forest School experiences are brought back into the conventional classroom.

The following organisations have been thanked for their donations: Brecon Beacons Local Nature Partnership, The Hay Fund, Hay Primary School, and Hay Markets - as well as work in kind from the contractors OTM Groundscare Ltd .

Sharon Gregory, teacher and forest school leader at Hay Primary School said: “As a school we would like to thank all involved for their commitment to this project and say how much it will benefit the children of Hay.

“Children’s well-being has suffered over the pandemic, and research is showing us how being outdoors in a natural environment is really good for children (and adults) mental and physical health and well-being.

“The children will be able to come here regularly to take part in Forest School sessions thanks to the Warren Trust and Hay Community Woodland Group.”

Trudy Stedman, Secretary of Hay Community Woodland Group said: “Volunteers have enjoyed creating this area for future generations to enjoy.”

A spokesperson for OTM Groundscare Ltd added: “It was a pleasure to be part of the creation of such a positive space for our local community.”