Nestled within a corner of Botley School lies a thriving woodland, a place where learning comes alive amidst the trees. This secluded area is a natural haven, perfect for sparking imaginations through storytelling, fostering collaboration through den building, and nurturing a love for nature through observing the woodland's diverse inhabitants. Here, children gain confidence and self-esteem as they conquer den-building challenges, develop their communication and language skills through nature discussions and storytelling inspired by their surroundings, and enhance their physical development by navigating the terrain and constructing their own woodland shelters. The tranquil environment also provides a sanctuary for emotional well-being, a place for quiet reflection and connection with nature.
A Legacy of Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning has been an integral part of Botley School since its inception in 1938. Originally known as "Rural Studies," this approach to education was considered essential, particularly given the school's proximity to Seacourt Farm. From the very beginning, the school recognised the profound benefits of connecting children with the natural world.
In those early years, the school began cultivating the north-west corner of its grounds, planting trees and creating a pond to establish a haven for local wildlife. By the 1970s, this area had matured into a flourishing woodland, complete with an expanded pond, providing a rich and dynamic learning environment.
Today, this diverse woodland remains a vital part of school life, serving as our primary Forest School site. We are proud to continue this long-standing tradition of outdoor learning, a cornerstone of Botley School's educational philosophy for generations.
A Diverse Woodland Ecosystem
The school grounds now boast a remarkable variety of tree species, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the woodland ecosystem:
Common Name | Botanical Name | Native/Non-Native | |
1 | Apple | Malus x domestica | Non-Native |
2 | Blackthorn | Prunus spinosa | Native |
3 | Blue Atlas Cedar | Cedrus libani | Non-Native |
4 | Cherry | Prunus | Non-Native |
5 | Ash | Fraxinus excelsior | Native |
6 | Beech | Fagus sylvatica | Native |
7 | Quince | Cydonia vulgaris | Non-Native |
8 | Walnut | Juglans regia | Non-Native |
9 | Crab Apple | Malus sylvestris | Native |
10 | Dogwood | Cornus sanguinea | Native |
11 | Elder | Sambucus nigra | Native |
12 | English Yew | Taxus baccata | Native |
13 | Goat Willow | Salix caprea | Native |
14 | Hawthorn | Crataegus monogyna | Native |
15 | Holly | Ilex aquifolium | Native |
16 | Horse Chestnut | Aesculus hippocastanum | Non-Native |
17 | Lawson Cypress | Chamaecyparis lawsoniana | Non-Native |
18 | Lombardy | Populus nigra | Native |
19 | London Plane | Platanus x hispanica | Non-Native |
20 | Norway Maple | Acer platanoides | Non-Native |
21 | Pear | Pyrus | Non-Native |
22 | Rowan | Sorbus aucuparia | Native |
23 | Silver Birch | Betula pendula | Native |
24 | Spindle | Euonymus europaeus | Native |
25 | Sycamore Maple | Acer pseudoplatanus | Non-Native |
26 | Wayfaring Tree | Viburnum lantana | Native |
27 | Whitebeam | Sorbus aria | Native |
Evolution of the Woodland, Including the Revived Pond
Over time, the woodland has continued to evolve. Around 2010, both the larger and smaller ponds were filled in due to health and safety considerations. However, the spirit of outdoor learning is ever-present, and the children have enthusiastically embraced the challenge of reviving a long-forgotten pond!
During the 2022/23 academic year, every class participated in the remarkable project to rediscover and restore a pond buried in the heart of the woodland. Each class contributed a team of dedicated "diggers," whose resilience and determination were truly astonishing. They unearthed the old pond liner, along with a fascinating collection of bottles, bricks, clay tubes, shells, and numerous paving slabs.
This pond has a rich history within the school. Originally dug many years ago (according to school staff), it was later deemed insufficient and replaced by a larger pond at the back of the woods. That larger pond, in turn, was filled in around 2000 due to health and safety concerns.
Now, thanks to the hard work of the children, the original pond has been lovingly restored. Finished in the spring of 2023, the pond has been lined and filled, ready to welcome new life. Classes have already begun transferring frogspawn, plants, and water insects from the Quad pond, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for this revitalised woodland feature.
Looking to the future, the children are planning an even more ambitious project: a much larger, natural pond to further increase biodiversity in the woodland. This new pond will be ingeniously fed from the natural spring that rises in the corner of the woods, creating a sustainable and vibrant habitat.
Additions to the woodland further enrich the learning experience. Our wood shed, quickly christened by the children, provides a place to store firewood and has become a focal point for imaginative play. A slackline now challenges the children to develop their balance, core strength, and confidence.
The Nature Reserve and the main woodland area have been thoughtfully combined, creating two distinct yet connected spaces for children to explore and enjoy. The parachute has been ingeniously repurposed, now suspended above the fire circle, providing a practical and weatherproof shelter for the seating area. Following the extreme heat of 2022, which sadly impacted some of our trees, new bare-root fruit trees were planted by the children.
The woodland continues to be a dynamic and evolving space, reflecting the school's commitment to providing exceptional outdoor learning opportunities for its pupils.