Birmingham school says the city’s green spaces are ‘vital’ for children after woodland school transformation

Birmingham is lucky enough to be home to acres and acres of stunning parks throughout the city. And an ambitious strategy, published by the city council this year, offers a glimpse of how Brum could rival Vienna for green space by 2045.

However, according to a Bupa survey of 2,000 people in six UK cities, around 18% of those asked in Birmingham said their child had no green space at school. Around 17% of people surveyed in Brum also suggested that their child is growing up without a garden at home.

Oaklands Primary School, in Acocks Green, is one place that has recently taken steps to ensure their pupils spend more time embracing nature outdoors. “We are a school in an urban area and some of our children’s only proper access to green space is their local park,” said Katy Carpenter, pastoral leader.

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She continued that they may not always be able to access these parks for various reasons or their families may not be able to spend time in nature. However, the school was able to apply for the Bupa Foundation Community Grant and transform its forestry school grounds, which Ms Carpenter says was in “desperate need” of rejuvenation.

“With the grant, we were able to buy planters and soil, forest school equipment, and we invited an outside organization to build a willow structure with the children,” she said. “The refurbished venue and the availability of new equipment has enabled us to run forest school sessions both as part of the curriculum and as an extra-curricular club after school.”

She went on to say that the children benefited from such sessions and grew in confidence as well as communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. “Allowing children to spend time in nature in a safe and educational environment cultivates a sense of excitement and curiosity,” she said.

“Ultimately, we need all our children to be disturbed by the natural world because we have so much of our landscape to protect and fight for. Kids are much more likely to care about something they have experience with.”

She continued that a key priority for parents at the school is to ensure their children have access to safe and enjoyable green space. “With the cost of living having a significant impact on many of our families, it’s more important than ever that children have more access to recreational activities that don’t cost a lot of money,” she said.

“Parks, gardens and other green spaces can play a vital role.” The Central Birmingham 2045 framework was recently published by the city council and reveals how Brum could be a greener city with better transport options, a wider range of work opportunities and more jobs. quality homes by 2045.

While future developments are subject to planning, the framework aims to shape such development in central Birmingham and guide future developments following its adoption last month. The strategy says: “We need to ensure our new homes and neighborhoods are enhanced with improved transport options and access to green spaces, health and community facilities.

“We must strive to achieve opportunities for all to contribute to a prosperous, inclusive, healthy, safe and green city that citizens can be proud to call home.”

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