We truly value the impact of nature and fresh air,  and strive for it to be a regular space to support our children's mental health. At CJS, we provide as many opportunities as we can for our children to be using the different parts of our grounds.  We also  have a dedicated volunteering role for year 5 children called the Clanfield Rangers- read on to find out more!

Over the past year, we have been working hard to improve our grounds and create areas of discovery for the children. We have worked closely with members of the Parish council and local volunteers to clear areas, plant more pollinators and improve the biodiversity of the grounds so they become a magnet for local wildlife to inhabit. We have also joined the Parish Pollinator Pledge and work closely with PeCAN. This has resulted in being awarded funding to provide planters for each year group, which is one of our projects for Autumn 2025. 

https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/get-involved/pollinator-pledge 

https://petersfieldcan.org/ 

One area which has been transformed is our pond area, which had been unused for many years. Work began in August 2024 to clear the pond area, with the help from a local company, making the area attractive to wildlife and safe and inviting for children to use. We now have a fantastic area with a great observation shelter for children to use during lessons.

In February 2025, over 100 trees were planted around the grounds, with our children being responsible for watering and nurturing these young saplings, so they can grow into strong trees in the future.

Clanfield Rangers:

Our Rangers, who have volunteered to be champions for our grounds,  teamed up with Rachel Ritchie from Petersfield Climate Action Network. They have been lucky enough to take part in a range of activities, such as carbon capturing, abundance counts and habitat making. This inspired the Rangers to run an assembly to encourage all of our pupils to take responsibility and look after what we have. This has resulted in children litter picking during their break times. The Rangers have also been on a visit to Little Hyden Woods to meet the owners, supported pond dipping lessons and so much more.

Children have regular access to our lovely grounds and enjoy the new additions to the woodland area, such as logs, loose parts, mud kitchens and much more.