A new outdoor reading area is helping to foster a deeper love of reading among pupils at a Staffordshire first school, thanks to the support from landed estates business Bradford Estates. 

St Mary's CE First Academy on Marston Road in Wheaton Aston, celebrated the opening of its new outdoor reading area with an official ribbon cutting, attended by Bradford Estates Executive Chairman Alexander Newport.

Funded and installed by Bradford Estates at a cost of £25,000, the project has transformed an outdoor space into a brand-new area for reading and learning. A bespoke reading pod has been installed together with outdoor benches and a covered canopy to provide shelter from the elements.

Bradford Estates Construction Director Graham Young and Consultant Garden Designer Raymond Cameron Goodman designed and installed the outdoor classroom area that has been landscaped and pathways made safe and accessible. Lavender bushes and shrubs have also been planted, with pupils keen to take responsibility for the watering and maintenance of the garden. 

The reading pod has been fitted with heating and lighting so that it can be enjoyed all year round, with bean bags, books and interior furnishings generously funded by Blymhill School Trust. The area builds on the school's existing library, giving pupils a welcoming, immersive space to build their love of reading. 

St Mary's CE First Academy is home to 84 pupils, from nursery through to Year 4, and is one of 19 schools’ part of the St Chad’s Academies Trust. 

The project forms part of Bradford Estates school learning programme, working with neighbouring primary schools across Sheriffhales, Bishop’s Wood and Church Eaton to create outdoor spaces to nurture a love of lifelong learning.

Trust Head Teacher Jen Watts said: "A huge thank you to Bradford Estates for transforming the space into a fantastic outdoor learning space. The reading area is a continuation of our library and will help to increase the children's love of learning and reading, providing a safe space for the students to learn and benefit from the fresh air and outdoor space. It is wonderful to see them become truly immersed in reading." 

Bradford Estates Executive Chairman Alexander Newport said: "We are delighted to have supported St Mary's CE First Academy in creating this new outdoor reading area. Seeing the pupils' excitement at the ribbon cutting was a real highlight, and we hope the space will inspire a lifelong love of reading for years to come.  

“This project follows the trim trail we installed at the school in 2023 and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting education across our local community." 

Bradford Estates Construction Director Graham Young added: “It's been a pleasure to work closely with the school throughout the design and delivery of this project. We wanted to create a space that was practical and safe, but also somewhere the children would genuinely enjoy spending time in, whatever the weather. Seeing the pupils' faces on the day it opened made all the planning worthwhile, and we're proud to have played a part in helping St Mary's inspire a love of reading in its pupils."

Pupils at the school are just as enthusiastic about their new outdoor classroom. Lewis, aged 9, said: "The new area will allow us to read and learn new vocabulary." Oliver, aged 9, added: "I'm excited to start using the reading area. I love reading, especially How to Train Your Dragon books." Olivia, aged 9, said: "The new outdoor classroom will encourage us to read more books and to learn in the fresh air." 

Bradford Estates, which manages 12,000 acres on the Shropshire and Staffordshire borders, is committed to supporting education in the local community as part of its wider charitable activities, aligned to its principle of stewardship.