Staff and students from a Bushey primary school were joined by parents and volunteers in a bid to transform a once unloved piece of land into a hub of outdoor activity and fun.

'Project Bird Song' began thanks to a grant of several thousand pounds awarded by banking group HSBC.

Ten volunteers from the bank helped with the initiative to rejuvenate an overgrown plot of land in the corner of the Bournehall Primary School playing fields, filling the area with new trees, sensory trails, storytelling areas and teepees for the pupils.

The project is part of the school’s efforts to become an ‘Eco-School’, which champions the importance of incorporating the school grounds and the outdoors into the school’s curriculum.

Alice Lyden, assistant head and Year One teacher, explained the idea behind Project Bird Song: "This area has not been particularly well loved in the past. A team of staff and governors decided it was high time to pay it some tender loving care, and what with us working towards the Eco-Schools award, we also invited the pupils to help us plan and develop the area.

"Project Bird Song was chosen because of its versatility. The trails can be changed to accommodate different subjects or pupils’ abilities, allowing everyone to enjoy the area equally.

"We are also hoping to develop an outdoor classroom with a canopy so that we can have at least one lesson outdoors, allowing the children to learn more about our environment."

The school's eco committee of students, aged between six and 11, helped out on the day, clearing the brambles and nettles from the area. It is predicted the site will be complete by the end of October.