Children at The Buchan Nursery have a new play outdoor area after the construction of a ’woodland kitchen’.

The space includes a ’mud kitchen’ with a sink, cooker and cupboards where pupils can make mud creations using the pots and pans, as well as the natural resources that surround them, such as grass, mud and water that has been collected in a new water butt.

The school, which charged £52 per child per session in term time, said that outdoor learning was vital to children’s early development, with benefits such as ’increasing self-esteem, developing a sense of freedom and helping them nurture healthy bodies and brains’.

The equipment will be kept dry in a shed, which was also built by a team from Hartford Homes along with the kitchen and a swing set.

Eva Boyd, who leads the nursery’s ’Buchan Rangers’ outdoor learning programme, said: ’With a helping hand from the Hartford Homes team, we now have some lovely new equipment and outdoor resources to be a permanent fixture in the woods.

’There have been so many giggles and smiles during our Buchan Ranger’s sessions, thanks to our new facility.

’Play is such an important part of childhood and it is so beautiful to provide these children with the opportunity to play, form friendships, follow their own interests, find their confidence and take risks outdoors, whatever the weather.

’The benefits are huge, mentally and physically.’