Children at an Ely primary school are getting closer than ever to nature, thanks to a cash boost to their forest school area.

The Lantern Community Primary School has been able to purchase bushcraft materials, create wildlife habitats and revamp equipment, thanks to a £1,000 City of Ely grant and a £200 grant from Good Vibes Local, awarded to the Friends of the Lantern School charity.

The Nene Road primary has been running forest school sessions for many years as part of its school curriculum, using a dedicated area of woodland at the back of the school.

Emma Holland, forest school leader, said running the programme for the school and Goslings Preschool was “such a special experience” and that the grants would make an enormous difference.

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She added: “These donations mean that we can provide a more varied experience for the children that most would not probably get in their childhood.

“These experiences are ones that they will take through to adulthood to help them enjoy the great outdoors and connect with nature.”

The money has been used to buy ropes, cargo nets and a nest swing to boost children’s confidence and imagination and learn about turn taking and teamwork.

Bow saws and fire strikes will replace aging equipment, helping more youngsters adopt bushcraft skills and take risks in a supervised, safe environment.

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Fish nets will enable more children to take part in pond dipping, while new magnifying insect containers and a wildlife camera will help them examine the animals that visit forest school.

The school is hoping that two new hedgehog houses will create safe habitats for these much loved, endangered British natives.

The money has also been used to purchase a log store and trolley.

Charlotte, eight, said forest school was one of her favourite aspects of school, and she enjoyed the opportunity to play with her friends.

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Charlotte added: “I like to climb trees so I can see people from above.”

Stanley, seven, said: “We get to learn about wildlife. I’ve seen a robin.”

Meanwhile Erin, eight, enjoyed swinging on the new ropes.

Friends of the Lantern School chair and Lantern School mum Meredith Hux Atkins said she was “delighted” the charity had been successful in gaining the grants.

She added: “We are passionate about forest school and the numerous skills our children learn from it.

“We feel very fortunate that this amazing programme is part of the school curriculum and hope it will encourage the nature lovers and eco ambassadors of the future.”