In the 3 or so years since it was planted, it has shot up dramatically (these forests often grow up to 10 times faster than traditional forests). It has transitioned from a patch of vulnerable saplings into a towering, multi-layered canopy brimming with wildlife. 

Its dense undergrowth and rich leaf litter provide a sanctuary for pollinators, birds, beetles, and butterflies, bringing nature back to our students who may have limited access to wild green spaces.

The birdsong up there is beautiful and there are lots of frogs, insects, spiders and butterflies (and we think possibly foxes are using it as their home too!) There is also evidence of nesting in our bird-boxes. 

At three years old, the forest is also mature enough to start actively altering the school’s microclimate. The dense canopy provides shade and releases moisture, dropping local ground temperatures by several degrees to combat the ‘urban heat island’ effect during hot school days (that are only going to get hotter.) 

Its established, deep root systems naturally loosen the soil, allowing the ground to absorb rainwater rapidly and that helps with preventing muddy or flooded school playgrounds.

The forest provides a sensory, peaceful refuge from the stark lines and noise of school life. At three years old, it is thick enough to walk into, offering students and teachers a quiet space that is proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and stimulate creative outdoor play.

Our tiny forest is now entirely self-sustaining too! The canopy is dense enough to naturally block out weeds and retain its own moisture, meaning that we can stop intensive watering and maintenance and simply enjoy the forest as it continues to flourish.

It can now be used as a fully functioning outdoor classroom. Our students can now become climate ambassadors at any time and could identify trees and grasses, map tree growth, study weather differences, monitor wildlife and analyse soil health and so much more. 

Going forward, we’d like it to give our ‘urban’ youth a tangible connection to climate solutions, offering real-world lessons on carbon absorption, water cycles, and improving biodiversity right on our school grounds.

This year, Mrs. Taylor has facilitated an option group for ‘STEM Science and Nature Studies’. One of the group’s main projects has been to renovate the school garden. The improvement in biodiversity alone is incredible! The students and Mrs. T have worked extremely hard.

They have also had the opportunity to do heathland restoration at Rushmere Park which has the aim of attracting snakes and nightjars back to the area (operated by the Greensand Trust).

As if that wasn’t enough excitement they have also been fortunate enough to have visited ZSL Whipsnade’s SSSI (site of special scientific interest) which is a chalk grassland and is very unique to the local area (and home to species like The Duke of Burgundy butterfly.)🦋

Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Fish (DT team) drive this work via their Eco Club. This is a busy, vibrant, hands-on club where students have multiple opportunities to engage with environmental issues and learn how to build better futures for us all.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to make Brooklands Middle School a safer and more sustainable environment for our pupils. Following our recent carbon footprint report, we want to share some important updates and reminders regarding travel to and from school.

Walking, Cycling, and Scooting - 

We strongly encourage all pupils to walk, cycle, or scoot to school whenever possible. It keeps our pupils active and directly reduces traffic congestion (and the dangers that come with congestion) around the school gates. To support this, we participate in the Bikeability (see link 🔗 above) training programme to give our pupils the skills and confidence they need to ride safely.

Public Transport - 

If you are looking for bus routes and times, you can now find a link to the Traveline Journey Planner on our school website to help plan your child’s trip.

Driving and Parking Reminders - 

If you have no alternative but to drive your child to school, please park a distance away from the school gates and walk the final stretch. This keeps the immediate area clear and safe for children arriving on foot.

Please remember:

‼️ Do not stop or park on the ‘Keep Clear’ markings or where ‘No Stopping’ signs are displayed. 

‼️ When Brooklands Drive is congested please do not mount the kerb under any circumstances. 

‼️ Please do not drive through the main gate after 8:20am without permission from the Headteacher. 

These zones exist to ensure clear sightlines and protect our pupils.

Central Bedfordshire Council’s enforcement team is regularly contacted regarding offending vehicles. Parking illegally or unsafely puts children at risk and may result in a fine.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe and helping us reduce our environmental impact.