During one of his regular visits to the schools, Minister for Education and Environment John Cortes called at the Outdoor Forest Zone of St Paul’s School at Varyl Begg Estate.

The area replaced a section of the tarmac playground with soil, wild plants, shrubs and trees, providing the children with a wonderful outdoor location for activities.

Several years in, the plants have matured, and apart from their educational value, serve as a green space that attracts wild birds too. It is used by several schools for outdoor activities, and inspired the recent creation of a similar space for St Bernard’s School at Moorish Castle.

Minister Cortes said: “Contact with Nature and the outdoors is essential in the development of children. Here in St Paul’s we have shown how even in a densely built-up area we can provide this. And most importantly, the children love it!”

ENDS