CHILDREN at a primary school in Buckland St Mary are set to benefit from two grants which will make their outdoor learning come to life.

Buckland St Mary Primary School managed to bag £10,000 from a Tesco funding scheme for new play equipment at the school.

A new environmental learning zone will also be created at the school after it was also awarded a £3,000 grant.

The grant came from the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Sustainable Development Fund.

It is now looking for volunteers to transform the area, which will see the creation of a wildlife area and pond where the old nursery building once stood.

Blackdown Hills Natural Futures has also given its support to the school by helping staff and volunteers to plan the layout and fundraise for the garden. Blackdown Hills Natural Futures project manager James Maben said: “What started as an idea during an environmental education session has grown into an exciting school project involving a host of local experts and volunteers.

“As well as creating important new habitat for wildlife, the project will ensure the school has a fantastic new outdoor learning space.”

Volunteers have already been hard at work to start transforming the space into somewhere enjoyable for the children.

Steve Morton, head of the school, said: “Although we’re in an area filled with natural beauty and wonder there is little opportunity for children to get close up to nature in the school grounds.

“It seemed only right to take an area that has been covered by concrete for over 30 years and breathe new life into it.

“Once finished, our new environmental learning garden will be a great resource - for Forest school, guided learning and play.

“I’d like to thank the AONB for the grant and the parents and community who have already put in time to help get this project off the ground.”

The school is looking for volunteers to help with creating the space. Anyone who has skills and time to share should contact the school by calling 01460 234251.