YOUNGSTERS at Rigby Hall School in Bromsgrove were helped out recently by a donation from the Rotary Club of North Worcestershire to help them buy a shelter for their forest school.

A spokesman for Rotary, said: “The design of the shelter had several specific needs, so that it both allowed the children to continue with their outdoor activities and studies whilst being observed by the staff. The Rotary Club not only donated £750 towards the cost of materials they also had a hand in the design and a very hands on approach to the build of the shelter.”

Children use the forest school to safely explore the outdoors, making their own stick men, creating camp fires and cooking, and hunting for minibeasts.

Jane Johnson, forest school leader at Rigby Hall School, added: “Before, we didn’t have a shelter, and we play out in all weathers, so when it’s raining we have to hide under the trees. I heard about the Rotary and we were going to match their donation, but they’ve actually donated the whole lot.

“It’s for the children to shelter in the winter. The Rotary Club has really helped us out quite a lot. We’ll be able to use it all year round now. We’re out in all weathers, so if it’s raining the children like jumping in the puddles. It’s about getting them to explore the outside.”

The forest school is now looking for donations to help purchase benches which can be fitted inside the shelter for use by the students.