YOUNGSTERS from Mablins Lane Community Primary School in Crewe are spreading their wings thanks to a new addition to their environmental learning garden.

Barclays Bank provided the materials and muscles to help community interest company Greenspaces South Cheshire to construct a bird hide in the school’s wildlife area, overlooking woodland, bird feeding stations and the school pond.

Teacher and champion of the schools Green Team, Sarah Barwick said: “Establishing a wildlife area provides many opportunities for extending classroom activities which can cover curriculum subjects such as science, maths and English in a fun and engaging way.

"The bird hide is fantastic and the children are looking forward to taking part in the national RSVP birdwatch in the new year.”

The bird hide follows a series of environmental improvements carried out at Mablins Lane school by Greenspaces, who work in partnership with Wulvern, a local affordable housing provider with hundreds of homes in the neighbouring area.

Wulvern’s Knowledge Transfer Associate, Sarah Bloor has also been working with pupils on energy education and initiatives which they can put into practice at home.

Director James Thompson added: “We’ve been working with parents, volunteers and the children over recent years to plant bulbs and wildflowers and tidy up the pond area. It’s really rewarding to see the children’s enthusiasm for the great outdoors grow.”