Mayfield School
DATE:
2025 / 2026
LOCATION:
Whitehaven, Cumbria
PARTNERS:
Mayfield School
Creating an accessible woodland for learning and nature
Aims
Increase biodiversity across the school grounds.
Create a child-friendly and accessible woodland for pupils.
Design a woodland that supports outdoor learning and wellbeing.
Select tree species that meet the specific needs of the school community.
Mayfield School is a specialist school in Whitehaven supporting children and young people with special educational needs. Led by Deputy Headteacher Carolyn Westnedge, the project aimed to transform part of the school grounds into an accessible woodland that could become an everyday part of school life.
The woodland has been designed not only to increase biodiversity, but also to create a safe and engaging outdoor space where pupils can learn, explore and spend time in nature. Every aspect of the project was shaped around the needs of the children who use the site.
Designing the Site
The planting design focused on creating a woodland that is both welcoming and accessible. New paths, supported through additional funding from local company Altrad, make it easier for pupils and staff to move through the space and enjoy the woodland throughout the year.
Tree selection was a particularly important part of the project. As some pupils are at risk of pica, species were carefully chosen to avoid poisonous fruits, leaves or other plant material. This resulted in an unusual mix of trees that met both biodiversity and safety objectives.
The planting includes hornbeam, field maple, Himalayan birch, Chinese dogwood and domestic apple, creating a varied woodland that will provide seasonal interest, colour and valuable habitat as it matures.
Community Engagement and Planting
The project was delivered in partnership with Mayfield School, with pupils and staff involved throughout the planting process. Together, they helped establish the new woodland and create a space that reflects the needs of the school community.
By involving the school directly, the woodland has become more than a planting project. It provides opportunities for outdoor learning, exploration and connection with nature as the trees grow.
Looking Ahead
As the woodland becomes established, it will continue to develop into an important outdoor learning environment that supports both biodiversity and pupil wellbeing.
The new paths will help ensure the woodland remains accessible, allowing future classes to use the space for learning, recreation and spending time outdoors for years to come.
49
People engaged
13
Number of trees
0.27
Hectares of woodland planted
Project Impact
Biodiversity
A carefully selected mix of tree species will increase biodiversity across the school grounds and create valuable habitat for wildlife.
Education
The woodland provides a new outdoor learning environment where pupils can explore nature and develop their understanding of trees, wildlife and the changing seasons.
Collaboration
The project brought together Mayfield School, Raise and local partners to create a woodland that supports both nature and learning, with additional funding from Altrad helping to improve access through new paths.
Innovation
The tree species were carefully selected to reduce risks associated with pica, demonstrating how woodland creation can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different communities.
Accessibility and Wellbeing
The woodland has been designed around the needs of the pupils, creating an accessible outdoor space where children can enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature.