A school has unveiled a new pop-up shelter in its woodland grounds.

The new shelter at Chetwynde is funded by the Sue Peaple Trust and aims to give pupils the chance to spend time outdoors, whatever the weather.

Janet Brown, senior teaching assistant at Chetwynde, said: "Forest schools have many benefits for children, including improving physical and mental health, hands-on experiences to help develop problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking skills, confidence and environmental awareness."

Pupils take part in Forest School activities (Image: Supplied) "With limited time to set up provision before sessions, it can be a challenge to get outside, but the new shelter can be put up and down by one person in minutes, giving great flexibility in use of our forest space and meaning we can enjoy learning, rain or shine."

"Our grounds are spectacular, and we recognise the value of children of all ages spending time outdoors, which enables practical learning to occur in a different way outside the classroom."

Children have already begun attending outdoor classes in their wellies and waterproofs.

Children have begun attending outdoor classes (Image: Supplied) Seating is not yet installed but is planned for the near future.

The school, part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, is aiming to develop its Forest School activities this term, designating an area for tool use and woodland craft.

It also offers the John Muir Award for senior students.

Volunteers have constructed and installed a new mud kitchen and assisted Mrs. Brown in preparing space for another.

Storage crates filled with tyres, planks, crates, and pipes have been added, allowing children to engage in construction and creative play.

Mrs Brown added: "We have many people and companies to thank for their generous ongoing support and donation of either time and skills and materials to allow us to continue to improve our area.

"We are delighted to receive this second very generous donation from the Sue Peaple Trust, who also supported us last year with equipment for use in sessions and funding for more training.

"In addition, we’ve had support from South Lakes Tree Surgeons, Forth Engineering, donations from James Thornton and Geoff Cruse and Nathan Brown, our PTA and school staff including Gaye Collings and our site team and wonderful volunteers.

"Without us working together, the long-term plan of developing forest school on the site would not be possible.

"Next year we aim to get a proper fire pit area established and make improvements to the area surrounding the outdoor classroom as part of our development plan."

Chetwynde PTA has pledged funding for future projects, including a climbing structure, a willow structure, and allotment regeneration.