After securing a £3,328 grant through Severn Trent’s Community Fund, Far Forest’s Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are now able to take advantage of the open space and allotments at a nearby school. 

The Parent Teachers Association (PTA) at Far Forest Lea Memorial CofE Primary Academy successfully applied for the grant which will fund a project to build additional storage and sheltered play equipment on their school grounds. Allowing  community groups to use facilities such as the allotment, field, fire pit and shelter out of school hours.  

Guttering from the newly built storage facility will also collect rainwater into a water butt for use on the allotments, to play a part in helping to conserve water for future generations.  

Hayley Tarbet, Volunteer PTA Treasurer said: “By improving school facilities in this way, it will help to encourage more outdoor play for the children in a natural environment. Opening up our outdoor forest school area for wider usage for our young people means they will be able to learn a variety of skills which will in turn build their confidence, such as growing their own food and seeing where it comes from. 

The added benefits of sharing the space with 19^th Wyre Forest (Far Forest) Scout Group means that children will mix across different primary schools as part of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts groups, making new friends in the process and this in turn will strengthen the community.

We’re really grateful for the support of local business Worcester Timber Products Ltd who have been instrumental in helping to bring our vision to life for the children.”

Jade Gough, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, said: “We know that when we take care of the natural environment, we take care of our water and the wellbeing of our community, so one aspect of this project that we really love is that children will be able to collect rainwater for planting seeds and growing crops and flowers, instead of using the tap. 

“We’re absolutely committed to making the communities in our region the best that they can be, so we’re delighted to be able to fund this project that will bring schoolchildren from the rural village of Far Forest and surrounding area together to make use of the wonderful facilities at Far Forest Primary.” 

Severn Trent’s Community Fund was created for community groups and projects that aim to improve community wellbeing:  

• People: Projects that help people to lead a healthier life and gain new skills. 

• Places: Projects that help to create better places to live in and use. 

• Environment: Projects that will help look after our natural environment. 

Are you part of a community group or project aiming to improve community wellbeing? Please visit stwater.co.uk/communityfund to find out how to apply for a grant.