Basildon School gets its forest learning zone approved

Basildon Primary School’s plans to create a woodland learning zone have been approved – despite objections from residential neighbours.

Many had written to West Berkshire Council saying the plans would see the removal of a wildlife area, in favour of rubber flooring and buildings.

“The term ‘forest zone’ sounds very green and trendy,” wrote Dick Emmons. “But the existing wild area has been totally neglected for years.

“None of the residents of Emery Acres wants this proposal and certainly not adjacent to their gardens.”

The school leadership said they were ‘disappointed’ by the concerns, and said the pond is man-made, and that the liner is leaking, adding the area is overrun with nettles.

It defended further criticism of its play and learning zone plans from some residents who could not understand why the school didn’t make use of nearby Emery Woods.

In a letter to the council, the school said classroom learning trips to the woods required a higher staff to pupil ratio, plus more paperwork.

School fundraiser the Basildon School Association wrote in support of the application.

“For the last three years the BSA has been fundraising to provide the funds to enable the creation of a forest school area for the school,” it said.

"Forest schools are a great way for children to learn outside the classroom in a natural environment, benefitting all pupils at the school."