PUPILS and staff at a Wotton primary have been celebrating 10 years of outdoor learning, as part of 'forest schools'.

Forest schools help students develop confidence and creativity by teaching practical, outdoor skills.

All classes at Blue Coat Primary joined together on the school field for a whole day of ‘learning outside the classroom’, forest school and play.

The event was held as part of the international ‘outdoor classroom day’ initiative, with over 3.5 million children taking part around the world.

Activities included a barefoot trail, wood whittling, playing conkers, willow weaving, clay craft, bug hunting, den building, pioneering, nature art, rhythm sticks, hapa zome (Japanese art using leaves, petals and hammers) and mud painting.

The children were supported by over 60 volunteers from the Blue Coat community, including the original members of Blue Coat’s Outdoor Club in 2008, now students at Katharine Lady Berkeley's secondary school.

The day concluded with a school assembly on the field around a campfire.

Steve Brooks, forest school leader said: “I love leading forest school at Blue Coat.

"It is wonderful seeing the children working together, developing their decision making, their independence and creativity – skills that fit perfectly with our school vision of being ‘future ready’ - all whilst gaining a love and respect for nature and the world around them.”