Many schools have been struggling to engage with volunteers through lockdown and with the ever changing COVID restrictions.

Woodside is one such school, where a pile of logs have sat for several months on the school field, gradually being overgrown with grass and recently, being covered in snow.

Although pupils are not currently allowed on the field, staff are hopeful that things will improve by the time spring comes around, so are keen to make the space usable once more.

With that in mind, I was asked to help with the safe storage and/or removal of the log pile. The first task was separating the huge logs from the smaller ones, which had already been earmarked by some members of staff for their log burners.

Next, the smaller logs were to be stacked in a clear area, where they could be accessed more easily, and possibly start to dry out.

Having spent about an hour at the site, it was clear that it was going to take quite some time to clear it completely.

I was asked if I could return another time, to finish moving the logs, and clear away debris and remnants of the school's outdoor learning area. Sadly, it has been abandoned since the beginning of 2020...first due to adverse weather conditions, and then COVID.

Looks like there may be a few CM opportunities before the school grounds are in a safe and welcoming condition for the pupils.

Watch this space!