Go-ahead for facilities for children in South Downs woods

New forest school facilities to help children learn about nature and the environment have been approved at a previously contaminated wood.

Chris Nutley, owner of Pondtail Wood, and ‘Wood and Wild’, an established forest school business, were given planning permission by the National Park Authority to build a fully accessible cabin within the beautiful woodland, near Albourne, Hassocks.

The business currently works with over 10 schools across Sussex and the cabin will expand its offer, creating a safe alternative learning space where children can learn while being immersed in nature. Current sessions include parent-and-toddler groups, afterschool clubs, sessions for children who are home educated and nature-based learning for neurodivergent families.

It comes after a stop notice was served by the National Park Authority in 2016 for illegal felling and the dumping of thousands of tonnes of construction waste by a previous site owner.

Stella New, Development Management Lead, said: “This is a fantastic turnaround for this ancient woodland, which was under threat by illegal felling and contamination a decade ago. This planning approval will connect scores of children with the outdoors and help them to learn about the importance of landscape and biodiversity, so it’s very much in line with our goals as a National Park of creating custodians for the future.”

Mr Nutley, site owner and Toni Friar, manager of ‘Wood and Wild’, said: “The approved application will allow many more children the opportunity to experience and enjoy the woodland.

“It will be a wonderful and complete turnaround for the better, given how the site was damaged by a previous owner. The boost for the forest school will turn setback into success and both the kids and nature will thrive.”