An initiative has seen children at a private school enjoying the great outdoors whatever the weather.

The children aged two to six at the Buchan School, Castletown, have been enjoying the Buchan Bushcraft weekly programme, which aims to get them ouside and discover the world around them.

Janet Billingsley Evans, head of The Buchan School, said: ’Our exciting Buchan Bushcraft programme is unique to our school and nursery.

’It is a wonderful initiative which develops a range of important skills including observation, listening, teamworking abilities, communication, self-confidence and social skills. Importantly, an interest and understanding of the natural world is formed, from which children’s interest in caring for nature is sparked.’

She added: ’Pupils learn in their own way as there is no right or wrong way to what they do, just as long as they can keep themselves safe as they learn, which is a skill they acquire and develop as they continue to participate in the sessions. What is lovely to see is that the children have formed strong friendships with each other, understanding how important it is in the wider world to stick together, to help, listen and learn from each other. It is vital to encourage curiosity, play and exploration outdoors in the technology-led world we live in, and we are delighted to be able to offer this programme to our young pupils.’

Forest School Practitioners work with the pupils each week, alongside their class teacher, in varying outdoor environments. Younger children start off with an adult-initiated activity before heading off to explore and develop their own interests in the outdoors, whereas older pupils are encouraged to take their learning further, developing the programme in their own ways to enhance their experience.

The emphasis is that children are out in all weathers unless there is a risk to their safety. Throughout the sessions the children are learning to assess risk, work together, develop skills and discover the environment around them.

Nursery pupils have been exploring muddy puddles and learning about seasonal changes in woodlands, forests and beaches around the island. They know that ’edge means danger’ and can talk about how to keep themselves safe near roads, open water and steep hills.

Reception pupils have learned about littering, recycling, plastic waste and animal conservation, including the care of hedgehogs. They have planted bulbs, created a gingerbread man recipe from discovered materials, and developed knot tying skills when tasked with making wands.

The older children have designed and made structures. For instance, they have built large dens with wood, collected as a team, and made houses for fairies and ’mini-beasts’.