THE RUBERY community pulled together this week to repair the Forest School at Holywell School which was vandalised.
The area was created by late resident Darron Harford so children could enjoy activities in the great outdoors.
The vandals chopped down trees, strewed litter all over the place and burnt the area down to just a fire pit.
Several people and organisations including Amy’s Floral Design, Father’s Barn, Foodcycle, Rubery Market, The Rafters Cafe, Michael Kane and Alex Metcalfe pulled together to donate items so the site can be put right again.
Among them were tree stumps for children to sit on, new bird boxes, tins for bug hotels, wooden pallets, a bird feeder and more.
It followed an appeal posted on the Rubery’s Community Group Facebook page by Alex after his stepson and school councillor Dexter came up with the idea of asking village businesses to help.
Holywell headteacher Chris Hamilton said it was devastating that anyone would want to set fire to the forest school but praised the Rubery community for its response.
“The Forest School is such a key part of their learning and it adds another dimension to their education where they pick up team-building and other outdoor skills.
“Some children these days do not get as much time in the great outdoors and they all really enjoy spending time there.
“It was great everyone came together so quickly to help and we have had so many offers from people.”
Alex said: “Rubery Village is unique.
“There is so much community spirit around here and it’s time like these, when local people and businesses honour the work of a resident we lost as well as look after their children and local schools.
“It really shows the positives of being a part of Rubery far outweigh any negatives.
“Dexter’s mum and I are ever so proud of him for his idea and proud of the local people and companies which swooped in to help out.”
