NEW WOODLAND lessons are taking root in Shotley Bridge as schools are encouraged to branch out with free sessions.

Primary schools around Shiellow Woods at Shotley Bridge have been invited to take part in free Teaching Trees sessions.

Teaching Trees offers schools two-hour sessions in the woods with a range of creative seasonal activities linking the care and management of woods to the national curriculum.

The sessions have come as the Royal Forestry Society’s new education officer, Jessica Lloyd, takes up her role.

Jessica is a qualified primary school teacher and formerly worked as a people and wildlife officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust. She is following in the footsteps of Peter Lowes, who retired from Teaching Trees after 15 years in the role.

Jessica said: “I believe all children benefit greatly from learning outside, and that forests offer so many wonderful things to learn about.

“Growing up in Northumberland, I was lucky enough to go on regular family walks to woodlands, where I would take part in treasure hunts, build dens, look for wildlife and make up stories.

“Many children now don’t get many opportunities to explore woodlands, so I am looking forward to showing school groups how fun they can be.”

If you know a school that would like to get involved, visit www.rfs.org.uk/learning or contact Jessica at Jessica.lloyd@teachingtrees.org.uk or call (0191) 903 0250.