Prince and Princess of Wales visit Madley forest school

The royal couple were visiting Madley Primary School's Forest School as part of two engagements that were carried out in the county.

Arriving at around 2.10pm, the Prince and Princess of Wales were given a tour of various parts of the wood and they even took part in some activities. 

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This included preparing food around a campfire, and William putting on some goggles before using a saw to make a tree den.

And it was a den that particularly fascinated the couple, with Kate deciding to try out for size.

During the 45 minute visit, the couple listened to what children and staff had to say about the forest school, and there were laughs when William accidentally knocked a branch off the den before hastily putting it back in its place.

Outdoor learning is prioritised within the day-to-day curriculum at Madley to enhance children's physical and mental wellbeing. 

The Princess of Wales helps prepare some camp food along with pupils from Madley Primary School (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Each child attends the forest school at least once a week where they learn both both national curriculum subjects outdoors, in a woodland environment, but also learn about environmental awareness, conservation and woodland management.

Hollie, a year siz pupil at Madley, said they only heard about the special visit earlier today.

"It was extroadinary," she said.

"I am very appreciative about meeting them here and able to teach them what we do, and they did very good."

The Prince and Princess of Wales are given a tour of Madley Primary School's Forest School (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

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The Duchy of Cornwall and Madley Primary School have been partners of the Forest School initiative for the last 12 years.

The Duchy supplied the school with a woodland site at Brampton Hill Wood in order to enable the Forest School to take place in Herefordshire.

Over the subsequent years, due the school’s expansion, the woodland area that the Duchy provides has increased, along with the facilities available.

"We make shelters, cook food, make sticks for marshmallows and and make some musical instruments," said Bryn, a year six pupil at the school.