AFTER months of planning and anticipation, the development of a school's woodland has begun.
Every pupil at Trinity Road Primary in Chelmsford took part, with each class planting a small copse of trees on the field their school owns but has never used to its full potential.
But now, with the help of parents, grandparents and the local community, and a generous donation of 400 saplings, Jubilee Woodlands is starting to take shape.
Head teacher Marie Staley said: "We are very lucky to have this 1.5-acre meadow in Queens Road, which, while near to the school, is not close enough to use every break and lunchtime.
"Thanks to a committee set up by parents and supported by neighbours, we have been able to undertake the first stage in developing the meadow into what we have called a Jubilee woodland in honour of the Queen's 50 years on the throne.
"The children had a great time planting saplings and were able to see the area start to take shape."
Pupils have also made minibeast hotels and birds scarers to place on the meadow, and last month a team of helpers dug a pond and erected fence posts.
The area will be used as an outdoor classroom and an area for local people to enjoy.
