READY for the weather with Orleton Primary School.

The students of Orleton Primary School have been exploring the wonders of the local woodland with their new equipment, provided with the help of a grant from Kingspan Insulation Community Trust.

Orleton Primary School's Forest School encourages learning through play in an outdoor environment, giving the children the opportunity to discover more about the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural environment. As result, pupils begin to understand how to handle risks, problem solve, and work with others.

Kingspan Insulation Community Trust awarded the school over £1230 to purchase tools to support local conservation such as stream cleaning equipment, bug pots, books and magnifying glasses to allow the children to study wildlife they come across. Part of the grant was also used to ensure all the children were able to get stuck into the project whatever the weather.

Miss Lucy Rossiter from Orleton Primary School explains:

"We go out in all weathers so extra wellies and waterproof jackets make sure all the children, no matter their background, are adequately clothed to fully enjoy the experience of being outdoors. The additional equipment and storage space we have been able to purchase with the grant has enabled us to embed the programme in the curriculum throughout the year."

John Garbutt, Chairman of the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust, added:

"The Trust is always very pleased to further conservation initiatives, like the Orleton Primary School's Forest School, as they are a great way to help children to grow in confidence and build self-esteem whilst learning more about the natural environment and how to protect it."

Anyone within the catchment areas of Wigmore High School, Lady Hawkins' School, Earl Mortimer College and Tenbury High School in Herefordshire, and the Parish of Sherburn-in-Elmet in North Yorkshire is able to apply for funding from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust. There is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted and all that is asked is that they meet at least one of the Trust's four objectives which cover conservation, encouraging biodiversity, health and fitness of young people and road safety.

Application forms and details of other local projects that have already been helped by the Trust since it was set up can be viewed on the website: KingspanInsulationCommunityTrust.org.