After 18 months and £40,000 fundraising, primary school in Harborough plants its very own forest

Work starts on the Meadowdale Primary school forest.

Iconic Sherwood Forest isn’t a patch on Meadowdale school in Market Harborough after staff helped raise over £40,000 to plant a staggering 145 trees and shrubs.

Head of school Liz Martin, who’s spearheaded the trailblazing blueprint, said: “We are thrilled to have completed this incredible initiative.

“It’s taken about 18 months from start to finish to realise our green dream.

Meadowdale Primary School celebrate the completion of their forest.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Meadowdale Primary School celebrate the completion of their forest. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“But we are delighted and very proud to have created our own very school forest here.”

She said Market Harborough & The Bowdens Charity and Howard Watson Symington Memorial Charity had contributed a major slice of the £40,000 cost.

“We’ve also had sizeable donations from local businesses such as McCarthy & Stone, Taylor Wimpey and Gallagher insurance.

“Apple Tree Communications, the Co-op and the school’s very own PTA have also all chipped in and we’re very grateful to them all,” stressed Liz.

Meadowdale Primary School forest.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Meadowdale Primary School forest. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“We invited them all over here to have a look at the finished project.

“Our council of children showed our guests around, leading them along the special walkways we’ve had put in.

“We have transformed a field running alongside our school into a stunning oasis of nature at its best.

“We’ve planted oak trees as well as ash, sycamore, pine, eucalyptus, fruit, cheery, pear and apple – there’s a tremendous mix.

“We have set up planters and brought in chickens for our pupils to feed, look after and adore.

“It’s also well proven now that getting out into the countryside is great for your mental as well as physical health – it’s so therapeutic.

“Our youngsters will learn so much from engaging and inter-acting with nature day in day out.

“And there’s also the serious ecological and climate change issues at stake here.

“It’s been so good to turn our grass field into a fantastic forest and magical haven for wildlife.

“We have created a beautiful long-term legacy for Meadowdale Primary School.

“And we would like to thank everyone who’s supported us and Alpha Fencing and Landscaping for designing and carrying out such a brilliant job.”