A VILLAGE school is urging local people to pitch in and help improve an outdoor learning area for youngsters.

Volunteers have been hard at work creating an outdoor learning and wildlife area for children at Thorners School in Litton Cheney as well as neighbouring schools and the local community.

The first year of the project has seen over an acre of weeds and brambles cleared and a ‘Living Willow Story Dome’ created.

Pupils are now able to pick fruits from the edible forest garden and orchard to use in cookery groups and natural sculptures and wood carvings created by the children have added a decorative touch.

The ‘discovery area’ has been given the seal of approval by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, claiming an award for the second best community wildlife garden in the county.

However, the team behind the project are not resting on their laurels as they look to build up the long-term project.

Thorners parent Mickey Bell said: “We desperately want the children to have a really memorable time at school.

“They are all from rural backgrounds and just love being outdoors.

“If this area means they can learn while exploring outdoors with the things that are second nature to them, then we need the project to move on so all aspects of the national curriculum can be taught outside.”

She added: “We need more volunteers to help us with the general maintenance of the area, people to come in and help develop the new areas planned – a butterfly garden, wetlands area, outdoor stage and study decks, living history areas with beds of plants used throughout history, and a science zone with solar panels.”

The team is especially keen to here from any gardening or art students or other experts and groups that would like to get involved in the design on the new additions.

It is also welcoming any donations of materials such as wood chips, netting, wire, fence posts, plants that could be used in the area or any company that would be interested in sponsoring the project.

Anyone interested can contact the school or come along to a special fundraising event at the discovery area at Thorners School on October 15.

The Big Green Apple Day, which starts at 2pm, will offer fun and entertainment for families while celebrating sustainability, conservation and outdoor learning.

As well as busking musicians there will be apple pressing, stalls, competitions, woodland art, lantern making and other traditional crafts such as willow weaving.

Entry to the event costs £1 for adults, with children going free.