CHILDREN will be learning outside in the woods thanks to a new idea by one nursery to transform into a forest school.

Linden House Nursey in Newton-le-Willows, has added to its Crow Lane West site by adding a base in Lyme and Wood Pits Country Park.

The idea stems from owner Carla Lee’s Dutch heritage, as many European countries have implemented forest/nature schools since the 1950s, focusing on child-led outdoor education.

Speaking of the venture Carla, said: “It’s going back to how children used to learn, it sees them play and learn about what they needs to know using what is around them.

“It also gives them a wider knowledge of things they see, which they are not exposed to in a classroom and probably not at home either. If children can appreciate the outdoors, they will grow up to respect it.”

Children use equipment to create their own play areas, and know they must clean up before they leave. The group will move to different sites within the park to allow the area to recover.

Staff member Leyla Cooke, added: “Different age groups come here each day to enjoy it, they learn how to cook outside and about the plants and trees around them.

“It’s wonderful and it’s a great environment to work in and to see the children embrace what’s around them.”