Shepton Mallet's St Paul's School's Forest project has been given a huge boost thanks to a former pupil and his firm.

Wayne Frapple, contract manager for Shepton-based Quadron Services Limited said he was first made aware of the school's scheme for creating a bio-diversity environmental area complete with shelter by his 11 year old daughter Nina who is a pupil there.

"And being a pupil there myself more than 20 years ago the school is very dear to me so I was only to happy to help," said Wayne. "It is nice to be able to give something back."

Working with teacher Kaye Watts, who is co-ordinating the Forest School project, Wayne through Quadron donated £150 worth of hand tools including saws, loppers and secateurs to pupils to help them transform the school grounds.

Wayne said: "It is a pleasure to help support such a proactive project as St Paul's Forest School. It's a unique idea that I'm sure will delight all the young participants taking part, and Quadron were more than happy to help.

"After all biodiversity and nature awareness is paramount in today's modern society along with teaching hands-on basic life skills for future development."

Quadron have already agreed to return in September to assist with a revamp of the school's pond and conservation area.

Mrs Watts was instrumental in starting the Forest School in 2008 after she took part in training at Ammerdown with Frome Forest Schools.

"We have mainly done it as an after school club, but I have always hoped to expand the Forest School throughout the school, eventually giving all children a chance to take part. To do this we will need support to help with running costs including purchasing equipment for the future," said Mrs Watts.

"Forest School has been growing in this country for over 10 years, originally based on a Danish model adapted by Bridgwater College. Research shows the positive effects it has on children and how it benefits their learning in the natural environment.

"The Forest School experience promotes sensory child-led outdoor play, encouraging and stimulating curiosity and absorption. The long tradition of craftwork in European education is also central to Forest School. Children learn to use really small hand tools, exploring the use of natural materials with the benefit of generations of traditional craft skills handed down to support them. They learn to assess risk, take on challenges and accept responsibility.

"It is also an excellent opportunity to play co-operative games to aid teamwork, as well as to help children learn more about the environment and cover classroom science subjects such as growing plants, habitats and food chains.

"I hope that Forest School can re-ignite an interest in young people to be outdoors exploring their world."

The St Paul's project is just one of many schemes that Quadron supports nationally. The company has introduced Bio-diversity Champions to each of its contracts to raise awareness on environmental issues amongst the workforce and to work with clients, groups and other interested parties to change working methods to develop local bio-diversity. If you think Quadron could help your organisation contact Mr Frapple on 01749 343552 or visit the website at www.quadronenvironment.co.uk