Students and staff at Salendine Nook High School Academy have celebrated the opening of their new school woodland.

The outdoor classroom space was officially opened by Colne Valley Tory MP Jason McCartney.

Following the opening ceremony, a group of students enjoyed lunch with Mr McCartney and principal Darren Christian and there was a question-and-answer session with the MP afterwards.

Students took part in tree identification to deepen their knowledge of the species in the woodland.

The whole school has been involved in naming the woodland ‘Sally Woodland’ and creating a logo through a house competition. This process has created excitement for the new woodland classroom.

A spokesman for the academy said: “The woodland will be used with students and feeder primary schools. This is a very exciting initiative raising awareness of the importance of woodlands in mitigating climate change.

“Students will be able to develop an appreciation of nature and the environment and improve knowledge of local ecosystems, in addition to developing subject specific skills, creativity, problem solving and teamwork.

“Future plans involve creating a student group to care and plan for activities, the creation of a pond to support geography and science, and outdoor well-being sessions.

“This is a fantastic initiative for the school with the importance of the outdoors in improving mental wellbeing.”

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