Primary pupils in Faversham receive wellbeing boost from nearby housebuilder

- 26 Feb 21

A national housebuilder in Faversham has contributed more than £660 to Bysing Wood Primary School to help with pupils’ wellbeing. Leaders of the school’s outdoor initiative, called Forest School, used Bovis Homes’ donation to purchase four much-needed picnic benches for the youngsters. Pupils taking part in Forest School attend morning or afternoon sessions in woodland, to understand and interact with the environment. Bovis Homes’ Davington Fields location, off Western Link, is just a short walk away from the school. Candice McCabe, regional marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Bysing Wood Primary School. We know how important being outdoors is for children and we are sure that the benches will be put to good use!” Jon Rees, Bysing Wood sports coach and Forest School leader, added the outdoor movement, which started at UK schools nearly 20 years ago, made a great impact on his pupils and thanked Bovis Homes for its support. “The Forest School at Bysing Wood Primary School offers pupils regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural woodland environment,” he said. “Through their engagement in Forest School, we also hope that pupils will start to foster a life-long relationship with nature and gain a greater respect for and appreciation of the natural world. “We would like to thank Bovis Homes for their generous donation of four new picnic tables. These will replace our existing tables that are no longer fit for purpose. This kind gesture means pupils attending Forest School will be able to sit comfortably in the forest and also use the tables for different woodland crafts and activities.” With great transport links and leisure facilities, the growing community at Davington Fields is a popular place to live. Home buyers can choose from three and four-bedroom properties from the housebuilder’s latest collection. The Forest School concept originated in Scandinavia from the Friluftsliv culture (i.e. the Nordic concept of getting outdoors). Although a relatively new movement in the UK, starting in 1993, Forest School is based on a rich heritage of outdoor learning that stretches back to the 19th century.