Cavendish Primary Unveils its Transformed Forest School

Newts, frogs and toads already settled in at wildlife pond

The children are connecting with nature by tending to the plants

October 3, 2026

There is much excitement at Cavendish Primary School this term as children and staff celebrate the debut of the school’s newly transformed Forest School and pond area — a project that has already begun reshaping outdoor learning across the school.

What was once a modest corner of the grounds has been rejuvenated into a hands-on environment. Raised vegetable beds now sit alongside young fruit trees, while a large, freshly restored pond has quickly become a thriving habitat. Staff and pupils have been delighted to discover newts, frogs and toads settling in, joined by visiting birds that have made the space feel alive from the very first week.

The area is already becoming one of the most anticipated parts of school life. Children have been getting their hands dirty tending to vegetables, learning how to safely use Forest School tools, and exploring the pond through pond-dipping sessions and there is always time to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils now enjoy weekly Forest School sessions, while Key Stage 2 classes visit every fortnight. Each session brings new discoveries and new opportunities to learn through nature, curiosity and practical experience.

Headteacher Ms Clare Frewer says the children have embraced the space with enthusiasm and maturity, reflecting the school’s values in action: confidence with tools, curiosity about the natural world, kindness towards the environment, a sense of belonging in their new Forest School base, and ambition to try new things. All of this, she says, is happening while pupils rediscover the simple joy of spending time outdoors.

“We are incredibly proud of what has been created,” she said. “Our Forest School and pond area has become a truly special space and we can’t wait to see how it continues to grow alongside our children.”

Vegetable beds sit by fruit trees, while the pond has quickly become a thriving habitat

Cavendish also highlights that it offers funded nursery places, giving children the chance to join the school community from the age of three — and now, to begin their learning journey with access to a rich outdoor environment from the very start.