A DEVON primary school has transformed an empty patch of land into an immersive space for children to play outdoors and learn about nature thanks to support from South West Water.

Warberry Church of England Academy, in Torquay, is one of the latest recipients of support from South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund for an outdoor educational space for pupils between the ages of 4-11.

The staff, alongside a group of parent volunteers, have transformed the empty space into an immersive area for children to play outdoors and learn about nature.

The support has enabled the school to build a campfire, buy water butts, plant vegetable patches, build a storage shed and create an outdoor kitchen.

The Forest School is now a place where children can play, learn about insects and acquire lifelong skills.

Head of Warberry Church of England Academy, Steve Bone, said: ‘Over the last 18 months, a committed team of parents and volunteers have developed the area so that we have an engaging space to connect with nature.

‘We are so pleased, and it is amazing to see how frequently the area is being used by the children every day.

‘The children love engaging with nature and working together on challenges outside the classroom.

‘Teachers love seeing children exploring the environment, collaborating with their peers and communicating with a range of children and adults.’

Claire Farley, a lead volunteer of the Forest School, said: ‘What an amazing journey we have had over the past few months, it’s been incredible.

‘We are so grateful to South West Water.

‘This site has been transformed, children have been building dens everywhere, whole classes have been sat around the new campfire, enjoying time in the outdoors.

‘The children have soaked it up with real joy and so much learning has happened in the new space already.’

South West Water’s Head of Customer Communications and Engagement, Dani Twelvetree, said: ‘Projects like this Forest School are so important to help children to learn more about the environment and we’re proud to support the amazing work Warberry School is doing.

‘Our Neighbourhood Fund works with amazing community initiatives and we’re pleased to see projects like this going from strength to strength.’

Since it began in 2021 the Neighbourhood Fund scheme has provided 202 projects with fantastic support and reached over 85,000 people.