A group of volunteers working on the HS2 project in the West Midlands has created a new Forest School in Birmingham.

Pupils attending Paget Primary School can now enjoy a new educational experience thanks to the volunteers, including apprentices, from HS2‘s main works contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV).

The team, drawn from those working on BBV’s Bromford Tunnel Shaft construction site, spent part of the autumn term constructing an outdoor area at the school premises.  It took the team four days to level the area and lay tree bark.

They then went on to install tables, chairs and a fire pit, as well as a 1,000-litre water butt, two mud kitchens, a bug hotel, a bird table and boxes along with a 50-metre garden hose.

A stretch tent has also been installed and a concrete path has been laid to allow wheelchair access from the Forest School to the main school building. They even went so far as to install an area for pupils to practise country fence weaving.

The concept of a Forest School is an educational model encouraging children to learn and develop, both physically and emotionally, through play, activities and exploration in an outdoor environment.

A number of BBV’s supply chain companies also got involved.  SIG PLC donated £3,000 worth of hand tools, including shovels, spades and plastic utensils for use by pupils. The bark clippings – 30 tonnes in all – were supplied by Murphy.

BBV is HS2’s main works contractor in the West Midlands.  They are presently engaged in the construction of 90km of railway between Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Staffordshire.

A team of 450 people is currently building the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel.  This will enable high-speed trains to run from Warwickshire into Birmingham, reaching Curzon Street Station in the heart of the city. Around 9,750 people in the West Midlands currently work on the HS2 project.

Lucy Holmes, Forest School Lead at Paget Primary School said: “Paget Primary School would like to say a huge thank you to all involved. Forest School is a fantastic way of helping children learn in a hands-on experience. In Forest School we learn the importance of looking after nature and exploring the Forest area, which helps the children’s confidence, self-esteem, independence and communication.

“The children will learn how to use different tools, light fires and cook on an open fire safely. It’s important to explore the natural environment around us and learn from it. The children learn to problem solve and manage risk.

“Since starting the sessions it’s amazing to see the difference in the children and I’m very lucky as I get to teach them in class and see the benefits Forest School has on our children. We love the outdoors and thanks to the generosity of all involved, this has made sure we can access our site all year round.”

Stephen Quinn, who is Works Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI and leads the team helping to deliver the Bromford Tunnel Intermediate Shaft, added:  “As HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, our responsibility extends beyond delivering 90km of railway. We’re passionate about supporting local communities, too, making sure they benefit from the work that’s going on around them.

“That’s why I’m so proud of the work we’ve done recently to support Paget Primary School, which is just on our doorstep. It’s incredibly rewarding for my team and me to know that children for years to come will be able to learn and develop in this wonderful outdoor environment.”