PUPILS from a school in Thornbury are celebrating a partnership with a housebuilder in the creation of a new place to play called the "Willow Turtle".

Developer David Wilson Homes funded the creation of the “living willow den” at Crossways Junior School, with a group of year four pupils creating the unique turtle design, with a large open circle body centre and small tipi dens for legs.

Jurgen Bowering from David Wilson Homes, who visit the school to see how the structure is taking shape, said: “The willow den looks fantastic and the pupils have done a brilliant job of designing it.

“Having fun outside is an important part of growing up and discovering the world, and that’s something we’ve reflected in the gardens and open spaces of our Park Farm development nearby.

“We hope the pupils at Crossways Junior School enjoy their willow den, which we were delighted to fund.”

Sadie Tulley, who leads the school’s gardening club, added: “We are very grateful to David Wilson Homes for supporting our exciting project. The den has created a wealth of learning opportunities for the children, including design and caring for a living structure.

“We are always looking for ways to develop our school grounds, and our willow turtle is a fantastic addition. It will be a welcome retreat for children and wildlife over the summer months.”