A PRESCHOOL whose ethos is based around supporting children to explore discover and create to enhance their learning and development out doors are delighted to have scooped an award from the Woodland Trust.

Rosley Preschool Busy Bees took part in The Green Tree Schools award, which saw them earn the bronze certificate.

Jennie Cross, preschool leader, explained: "The award programme encourages outdoor learning and inspires children to learn about trees, woods and wildlife with fun practical projects to help protect the environment through visiting woods, planting trees and recycling and reducing CO2 emissions - all helping to fight climate change."

Being awarded the bronze certificate for their work has given the children a well-deserved boost of confidence.

"It is a fantastic way for the children to learn about the environment, how it impacts wildlife and what we can do to protect its future," added Miss Cross

"To receive the certificate for their work so far has given them the focus to carry on with project activities."

There a two certificated levels to work towards in The Green Schools Award - Bronze and Silver and the Gold level receives a wooden plaque,then the prestigious Platinum level sees you receive a metallic plaque.

The children have so far achieved the bronze level and are collecting points for the silver.

Miss Cross continued: "Children gain points by completing environmental activities.

"We have visited the woods on a regular basis. We have regular nature trails where we explore natural resources that can be found around them.

"We have talked about how some trees lose leaves and some keep them all year.

We regularly feed the birds and record the different birds we might see along with, squirrels, woodpeckers and rabbits.

"A big part of the project is to provide an understanding to the children of the importance of caring for and protecting the future of the environment around us, for the benefit of the wildlife living in there."

"Visiting the woods is a valuable opportunity to take learning outdoors, where the children can observe the changing seasons and immerse themselves in natures sights, sounds and smells.

"They love the hands on investigation where they can learn about minibeast, wildlife and their habitats. "