Springfield Community Primary School is delighted to announce the opening of Spring Forest, its new Forest School on 23 September.  Spring Forest was officially opened by Mayor of Burnley Councillor Cosima Towneley.

Headteacher Mrs Samaira Nasim explained the benefits for children: “A Forest School is a child-centred learning process.  Regular sessions of play, exploration and supported risk-taking in a natural outdoor setting get children active and learning.  Hands-on experience helps individual pupils to develop team working skills, improve their confidence and enables self-led learning of important life lessons.  All pupils will have more choice to initiate and drive their own learning and development, and to experience success on a regular basis.”

The school is passionate about the environment and hosting community events led by a range of experts for its “Challenges for Change” will encourage community action on hot topics like conservation, climate change and recycling.   Shelagh Gulgec, Secretary for Incredible Edible Burnley, said, “We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with local people.  There is a pride and satisfaction in growing your own vegetables – and home-grown tastes better too!”

Mayor of Burnley Councillor Cosima Towneley added, “It is good news that the community will be able to enjoy activities in a new relaxed, outdoor environment.  Learning about growing your own vegetables, planting trees and recycling will also help people to manage as money gets tighter.”

After planting a tree to be enjoyed by future generations in Spring Forest, Mayor Cosima Towneley continued, “Spring Forest fosters the development of a life-long relationship between people and the natural world.  This encourages them to respect and care for nature which has a long-term positive effect on our planet.  Planting the tree today was symbolic but it is also important:  Trees help against climate change – They absorb carbon dioxide and add oxygen to the air around us.  They also play an invaluable role in our ecosystems – providing home to wildlife and protecting soil and water systems.

I would encourage more people to plant trees and increase the tree population in Burnley.”

Peter Thorne, a member of Trees for Burnley, planted a pine tree.  The oak and the pine are regarded as the mother and father of trees.