We were delighted to see the first session of a new programme of outdoor learning take place in Borsdane Wood on Friday 16 October 2026, bringing local pupils into the woodland to learn more about the natural world on their doorstep.

The programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Nineveh Charitable Trust, with the support of the Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park and sessions delivered by Feral Outdoor Company Ltd.

Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Castle Hill St Philip’s CE Primary School will take part in a series of eight sessions across the academic year, using Borsdane Wood as an outdoor classroom for learning linked to science, citizenship, health and relationships.

The first session focused on the question “What makes a healthy woodland?”

Pupils explored the wood as a living ecosystem, looking at the variety of trees and other organisms found there and thinking about how different parts of the woodland are connected. Activities included tree and leaf identification, a woodland walk, biodiversity observations and games designed to encourage the children to think about why woodlands matter and why they need to be looked after.

The session also gave pupils the opportunity to develop practical observation and classification skills while spending time learning in their own local environment.

It was wonderful to see Borsdane Wood being used in this way. Helping young people to understand, enjoy and value their local green spaces is an important part of ensuring places like Borsdane Wood continue to be cared for in the future.

As part of the programme, pupils will also have the opportunity to make a practical contribution to caring for Borsdane Wood. The children will be designing posters encouraging responsible dog ownership, particularly the importance of cleaning up after dogs and disposing of dog waste appropriately. It is hoped that, once completed, the posters can be displayed in the woodland, with Friends Group volunteers joining the children to celebrate their work.

A big thank you goes to Charlotte from Feral Outdoor Company Ltd. for leading the session, to Castle Hill St Philip’s for taking part, and to the Nineveh Charitable Trust for making the programme possible.

We’re looking forward to seeing how the sessions develop over the coming months and sharing more from the project as the children continue exploring Borsdane Wood.

Photo credit: Feral Outdoor Company Ltd.
Images used with permission.