Youngsters at Tanners Wood JMI School now have the opportunity to learn in the great outdoors, with the addition of a brand new Wildlife Area in a disused section of the school grounds.

The Wildlife Area, which was funded by Three Rivers District Council, the Parent Teacher Association and Abbots Langley Tough Ten Committee, was officially opened by Councillors Ann Shaw and Martin Trevett today.

Children, teachers and parents have worked hard over the past three years to clear the space, research and design the area so that the pupils can learn about wildlife and natural habitats first hand.

The Wildlife Area now boasts a class space, tool store, woodpiles, a scrape for finding minibeasts and native trees and plants that actively encourage wildlife.

The school has chosen to give the area the motto "peace and quiet, awe and wonder".

Councillor Martin Trevett, Cabinet member for the Environment, said: "The District Council is delighted to be able to support this wonderful project, which the children, staff and parents of Tanners Wood JMI have put so much effort into.

"The Wildlife Area is a great resource for the children, giving them the opportunity to enjoy hands-on learning in tranquil outdoor surroundings.

"I hope they enjoy spending a lot of time out there during the coming warmer months."

The Wildlife Area will be used to enhance learning across all subjects on the curriculum, particularly subjects such as science and geography.

Whole classes will spend some lesson time in the area and it will also be available for groups or individuals to use at break and lunch times.

The Wildlife Club, made up of keen children and teachers, takes over the area after school once a week.