The project, funded with £5,000 from East Midlands Railway and match funded with £5,000 from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, has seen the space transformed from a dated children’s classroom into a modern and well-equipped learning and event space for all ages. 

During the pandemic, the Trust witnessed more than ever, the benefits of connecting with nature on people’s wellbeing and with this in mind wanted to create a space for multi-users, adults and children, to learn about nature or be near nature. 

The interiors have been redecorated in a neutral scheme with newly built integrated storage to keep children’s crafts and equipment tidied away, and a 65 inch television that can be used for presentations and teaching.  

A new kitchen area has been added to enable users to prepare their own refreshments or use to serve catering provided by the neighbouring Whistlestop Café. The space is finished with a full wall photography mural of nearby Lea Woods, taken when the bluebells were out.  The outdoor space has also been enhanced with additional seating and a new mud kitchen for children. 

Nature Tots sessions have restarted at the newly refurbished venue and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust will be using the space to train schools and nursery staff to gain qualifications in Forest School and outdoor learning. 

The aim is to encourage individuals, youth groups, businesses, voluntary and community organisations, across Derby and Derbyshire to use the facility, which is easily reached by train. 

Emma Wood, Wild Wellbeing Team Leader at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The Whistlestop Classroom has been a great resource for school groups, family events, and our Nature Tots sessions for years now, but we also wanted adults and businesses to benefit from the space and feel comfortable here too. 

“Whistlestop has been changed completely, it now feels fresh, modern, calmer and is certainly a space to be enjoyed by all who use it. We are confident that all the improvements made will enhance our user and visitor’s experiences.” 

Donna Adams, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, added: “It is wonderful to see the Whistlestop Classroom better equipped to welcome a variety of groups and ages and share the benefits of being in nature on our mental wellbeing. We were delighted to have supported the refurbishment of this facility from our Community Fund that helped to make this all possible.” 

To find out more about hiring the Whistlestop Classroom and catering options, please contact Shaun Smith, Visitor Centre Manager at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, at ssmith@derbyshirewt.co.uk.