Woodland Classroom Built With Help of Donation Opens near Rosewell

Renewables PR firm helps share story of woodland classroom opening, thanks to Banks Renewables. — Renewables PR firm helps share story of woodland classroom opening.

A WOODLAND classroom at Rosewell was opened on Wednesday 25 October 2017 at a ceremony attended by many of the community groups in Rosewell including the Brownies, Girl Guides, Scouts and pupils from both Rosewell primary schools.

The Rosewell Development Trust in Midlothian built the classroom with the help of a £3,350 grant from the Banks Community Fund.

The woodland classroom will be used for woodland management training, helping enable the community to take on the long term management of the woodland and secure its future for generations to come.

David Mackay, director at the Rosewell Development Trust, said: “We are delighted to open the woodland classroom today in a ceremony in which local school children , Guides and Scouts took part.

“We would like to thank Banks for such a generous donation, and one that will have a meaningful impact on both the community and the environment.

“Our work in the woodland over the past few years has been very successful and we look forward to more and more of the community getting involved.”

Through pilot projects, the Trust has identified a number of issues which, if not addressed, could result in the deterioration of native species and natural habitats. Volunteers will be taught to improve the growth of native species, build and place bat and bird boxes to improve the wildlife habitat; and help maintain and improve wildlife trails to attract more visitors to the woodland.

Chris Kelsey, communications manager at The Banks Group, said: “This woodland classroom is a fantastic boost for Rosewell on two fronts. It brings the community together to spend time close to nature and in effect the things learnt in the classroom will help sustain the woodland in the future.

“As a company heavily involved in renewables and the restoration of previous industrial sites this great venture fits perfectly with our ethos and we would like to lend our whole-hearted support.”

The Banks Community Fund is a charitable fund set up by The Banks Group, the Hamilton-based property and renewable energy business.

Banks Property, part of The Banks Group, recently announced intentions to deliver an important property development at Rosewell, helping to tackle the lack of housing supply.

Chris added: “Banks will always strive to provide communities that host its developments with benefits that will make a lasting difference to the lives of those living closest.

“Demand for new homes with an easy commute to Edinburgh has easily outstripped supply, pushing up prices and making homeownership challenging for many.

“Developments such as this one at Rosewell are therefore essential to keep prices down and give hope to young families and people looking for good quality, affordable homes in an excellent location.”