PUPILS have been building willow tunnels to create living outdoor classrooms.

Lancaster Special School in Westcliff, is putting into reality an idea by past pupils who wanted to leave a legacy to the school and improve the school grounds.

Pupils worked on the project with teacher Claire Arkwright to research living willow.

It has been funded by the Leigh Round Table, with willow provided by and workshops run by Essex Wildlife Trust.

The trust worked in the school last week to get the structure started.

All the pupils took part and will also be responsible for the upkeep.

Deputy headteacher Rachel Dennis said: “We are very grateful to Leigh Round Table and Essex Wildlife Trust. It is the first of many projects to revamp the school into an ecofriendly, stimulating environment.”

Teacher Claire Arkwright added: “It’s been great to watch all the pupils get really stuck in and I have been amazed at how quickly they have managed to build each structure.

“The children have worked really well in their class teams and have kept a cheery disposition, even in the cold weather.

“We’re all looking forward to watching the willow grow and seeing what the structures look like in spring when they’re covered in green leaves.”