CHILDREN at a West Devon pre-school have been outside learning in their new conservation area as part of a series of Forest School sessions.

Whitchurch pre-school children have taken part in a variety of outdoor activities this term during the sessions led by the Forest School manager Tracey Maciver from Duchy College, Stoke Climsland.

Children from as young as two have been building homes for forest creatures, making magic potions, using natural dyes, singing action songs and playing games in the recently established conservation area at Whitchurch Primary School.

They have also had the chance to toast marshmallows on an open fire, make a museum of interesting finds and take part in many other activities.

The Forest School concept, developed in Scandinavia, is to teach children about the natural world and environmental issues.

By the 1980s, Forest School had become a significant part of the pre-school programme, promoting and reinforcing early years education through learning from experience.

Forest School provides opportunities for children to get in touch with the world around them and develop confidence and self-esteem, be active and learn while having fun in an informal environment.