An overgrown plot of land has been transformed into a safe place for schoolchildren to enjoy learning outdoors.

Charity Wide Horizons, which works to help youngsters and teachers take their curriculum away from the classroom, enlisted the help of volunteers to create the space in Horton Kirby.

It will complement the charity’s existing base in the countryside village, which was originally built in 1894 as a parish room and is a stone’s throw from huge stretches of farmland, woods and a country park.

The new space will provide the perfect environment for pupils as young as five to learn about the wider world around them through activities focused on learning about habitats, wildlife and archaeological digging.

Abigail Wells, who works at the charity, said the project would prove especially beneficial to those from disadvantaged backgrounds as it targets schools that would otherwise not be able to afford things.

“We already had a really lovely centre at Horton Kirby but we only had so much land and recently we got a lease for a new piece of land, but it was just covered in brambles and not suitable,” she explained.

“Volunteers from A Plant, Loxston Groundcare, P Livertons and DLF all came together to transform the overgrown and unsafe land into a new area with unlimited potential for adventures.

“At Horton Kirby the children do team-building activities, some curricular learning, and we are working with increasing numbers each year.

“Everything we do links with the school curriculum but it also helps develop their social skills.

“We believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience adventure as part of their education and development.

“We are dedicated to developing well-rounded young people who are environmentally conscious, active members of their communities and have the right skills to build their own futures.”

The charity estimates that more than 8,000 children visited the Horton Kirby centre last year, with one in five growing up in poverty and missing out on experiences that others take for granted.

Lots of the activities will be focused on team-building, with lots of outdoor challenges planned at the centre’s new learning zone.

Miss Wells added: “More deprived children than ever before will now be able to take part in creative and engaging experiences that will inspire them to learn about natural green spaces.

“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of the volunteers, without whom this exciting project would simply not have been possible.”

Anyone interested in getting involved and supporting the charity’s work should email info@widehorizons.org.uk.