Our workshop with pupils in South Wales

We are working with Wynne Construction on a new primary school in South Wales which has recently been approved by councillors.

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn in the Rhondda is set to be built on a former industrial estate and will provide a new Welsh-medium primary school for 270 pupils to replace the existing school.

As part of our landscape strategy, we are enhancing outdoor spaces for the children and boosting the biodiversity and ecology of the site. Our work includes measures to encourage hedgehogs, bats and birds as well as settings for children to learn, explore and play.

Land Studio’s Associate Landscape Architect Rachael Fenton recently went into the school to have a chat to the children.

She said: “Whenever we work with schools, a key part of our design process is running workshops with the client and the children.

“We talk to them about landscape architecture, the importance of nature and challenge them to design their own outdoor spaces and playgrounds.

“It’s a lovely way to get them excited and involved with the build process and to hear their ideas and feedback. 

“By engaging with children about design, wildlife and climate change, we can inspire the next generation to become our future environmental ambassadors.”

The school’s headteacher Petra Davies said: “I felt that the workshops were very well planned and age appropriate for our pupils. It was such an important experience, and the team helped the children to understand the importance of wildlife conservation on the new build site. The activities were very creative and informative.

“It is imperative that the children feel part of this project and, following on from initial discussions with RCT and Andy from Wynne Construction, I was delighted to welcome the team to the school to work with our pupils. We are looking forward to seeing them again soon.”