The round house has been built by Bear Woodcraft with designer Dan Holland living on site during the first lockdown! The traditional design has striking rafters made from Norwegian Fir from the Forest of Dean, panelling made of Cedar of Lebanon from Brecon, with a turf roof from Lincolnshire all supported by a larch frame from Carmarthenshire.
There is also some large beautiful butterfly wings made by Soulart to help people find the outdoor classroom at Carsington and also a great opportunity for a selfie!
A second outdoor area with sculpted posts carved by Andy Frost allows a large tarpaulin to be added in the meadow so there is cover for poor weather or shade in hot weather.
Diane Gould People Engagement Officer said ‘Our Severn Trent partnership education classroom is dedicated to getting children outdoors and engaged with nature to provide a wilder future for everyone. This new outdoor classroom means we can run activities whatever the weather.’
Andrew Caile, quarry manager at Tarmac's Ballidon quarry said: "We are pleased to have been able to support the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust with this project with a grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund. We hope the outdoor classroom is enjoyed by many for years to come."
The classroom will be opened and welcome its first visitors on May 23rd. It is a closed event to comply with covid restrictions and for public safety. The Matlock Watch Group will officially open the roundhouse in the morning and take part in camp fire cooking as well as other activities exploring nature. In the afternoon the Carsington Junior Rangers will be using the space for their first face to face session since before lockdown.
This new outdoor classroom will help more groups, especially children, to enjoy learning and spending time outdoors - whatever the weather.
ENDS
