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St George's Primary School's Forest Trim Trail

Posted on 07 June 2021 by Rachael Amin

Adventure Awaits With a New Trim Trail at St George’s Primary School

 

Playtimes will never be the same for the energetic adventurers at St George’s Primary School in Wallasey. They are one of the first schools to experience our brand new Forest Trim Trail that is inspired by exhilarating tree top challenges.

Headteacher, Bernard Cassidy, was keen to develop an active outdoor area that could be enjoyed by pupils for years to come. Together with our experienced playground consultant Ian Wood, they designed a bespoke adventure trim trail that would replace dated equipment.

A Trail Tailored to St George's Children

 

The unique trail, which is made from high quality natural look timber, provides different levels of challenge and progression in physical skills. Balance is required when stepping across the logs and stilt posts.

Co-ordination and judgement of speed is needed to cross the wobbly bridge and weave through the slalom. Core strength is shown when climbing the traverse net and decisions are made regarding placement of hands and feet.

One girl with blonde hair wearing a blue school jumper and grey jeans is crossing the wobbly bridge that has been installed onto artificial grass. The wobbly bridge is part of the schools new forest trim trail.

A favourite part of the course for the pupils at St George’s are the ‘Monkey Bars,’ Grabbing and grasping helps to develop fine motor skills. Children love the feeling of swinging through the sky! The ability to hang and stretch develops upper body strength and control.

Safety is an important part of our trails therefore we surfaced the area around the trail with our super soft Artificial Grass. Shock pad surfacing was laid to allow children to take safe risks.

One girl with blonde hair wearing a blue school jumper climbing across the monkey bars at the end of the forest trim trail whilst one girl wearing a blue school jumper and a grey skirt stands at the side to watch. The trim trail has been installed next to the school playground.

All Ages and Abilities Have Been Catered For

 

The large trail, which is made up of thirteen different elements, was designed in a straight line format to suit the outdoor space. There are numerous entry and exit points and a variation of static and moving pieces to appeal to children of all abilities.

Pupils may like to complete the course individually or work together as part of a team to overcome challenges and feel a real sense of achievement.

5 children wearing blue school jumpers crossing the stepping stones and triangular net landscape which has been installed onto artificial grass next to the forest area at the school.

Social interaction and communication skills are built upon when using the trail. Resilience is a key attribute that St George’s primary is keen to instil in their pupils.The children will begin to use trial and error when learning how their bodies move.

Continual repetition and considering what they may do differently next time will allow them to successfully complete the course.

12 children playing on the forest trim trail that has been installed onto artificial grass in a straight line. Behind the trim trail is the school building and playground.

A Multitude of Possibilities Awaits

 

The installation of an Adventure Trim Trail is a great way to ensure that children are physically active. NHS guidelines suggest that children should take part in moderate physical activity for 60 minutes per day.

A trail can be used at playtime, to support cross curricular learning and during P.E. lessons and school clubs. Trails open up a wealth of ideas for imaginative play and games. As children are scaling the net they could be climbing the beanstalk, when balancing on the beams they could be performing in their own circus show.

One girl wearing a blue school jumper and black skirt is crossing the twist net with incline beam whilst one boy finishes the trim trail at the monkey bars and one girl walks back to the start of the trail.

We are pleased to have created energising, active obstacles for St George’s pupils to conquer in their daily play.

Would you like a Forest Trim Trail in your playground? Contact Us Here to begin your journey with Pentagon Play today. 

Alternatively, take a closer look at all of the excellent playground projects we've completed for primary schools and nurseries in Liverpool on our dedicated Liverpool Page Here. 

Aerial shot of children playing on the forest trim trail which has been installed onto the artificial grass next to the forest area of the school which includes two large trees.



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