A vibrant Community Forest School is set to be brought to life in Langley, Middleton, thanks to major funding from the Riverside Foundation and the Axis Foundation.

Delivered in partnership with the Burnside Centre, the initiative will transform disused green space behind the community hub into a safe, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor learning environment for children, young people, and families.

Burnside Centre’s aspiration to introduce the Forest School was made possible through £19,000 investment from the Riverside Foundation, £9,700 donation from the Axis Foundation and additional support from the Asda Foundation and the Manchester School of Architecture – bringing the total project value to around £41,000.

The funding will enable the installation of features designed to encourage exploration and ensure accessibility, including:

• A storytelling area with fixed seating and a firepit
• Interactive wooden structures and outdoor learning zones
• SEND-friendly resources
• A nature-inspired mural, new planting, and secure fencing
• Safety upgrades including new CCTV and anti-climb perimeter fencing

Burnside Centre has invested in training to ensure the space delivers high-quality, inclusive outdoor education; and is the only educational setting in Rochdale successfully accredited by the National Forest School Association, with qualified Forest School Leaders on their staff team.

The transformation is expected to take up to 12 months (subject to weather conditions) and once complete, will be open to families, schools, and community groups across Langley.

It will also offer opportunities for local people and the wider community to benefit from volunteering, skill-building, and meaningful engagement with nature.

Hazel Waddington, Chair of Riverside Foundation, said:

“We’re proud to support a project that will have such a lasting impact on the Langley community. The Forest School will provide a much-needed green space that offers hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and learning. It will foster confidence and connection with nature for generations to come.”

Kerry Edwards, Burnside Centre Manager, added:

“We’re a grass roots charity – committed to quality and people-focused engagement!

“Our community Forest School vision could not flourish and become reality without the fantastic support of the Riverside Foundation, the Axis Foundation and the other incredible supporters.

“To be able to bring this green space to life for local children and families is a dream come true. It has been truly transformational to have your support – empowering our community-based learning journey.”

Michael Hayes, Trustee of the Axis Foundation, said:

“The Trustees of the Axis Foundation were delighted to join forces with the Riverside Foundation to support Burnside Centre’s vision: to introduce a Forest School at their community hub.

“Both Axis Europe and The Riverside Group are already partners, working together to maintain properties and homes, and it seemed to us highly appropriate that our foundations join forces in supporting this valuable local enterprise to provide a lasting legacy of learning that will benefit the local community.”

For more information, contact the Burnside Centre team on 0161 643 5775 or [email protected]