Stanton Environmental Arts Project
Children at Stanton School have transformed their school playing field with living willow sculptures, large enough to get lost in!
The school had decided they needed to improve their play facilities and the outlook of the school’s playing field. Working with People Express they were successful in getting funding from the National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme and The National Forest programme development fund. Their project was to design and build large scale living willow structures in the school playing field.
Following taster sessions to experience how willow works, the children came up with plenty of ideas for planning the real thing.
They finally chose a willow maze, a tunnel in the shape of a snake, and a reading area. For the youngest children they designed a small dome and some smaller willow flowers to play hide and seek behind.
All the children in the school took part in the construction process. They prepared the planting area, planted the willow and wove it into various shapes.
“The children have learnt so much from this project,” said head teacher Mrs Carol Acock. “Actually doing it themselves has given them a great sense of ownership. The children have been ready to help whatever the weather and always wanting to come out for more willow sessions.” Coppicing the willow as it grows will provide more learning opportunities.
National Forest Company, Enterprise Glade, Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 6BA.
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