Woodland tribute made to Leanne Wentworth at Reydon Primary School

Staff and pupils from Reydon Primary School in Southwold have created an area called 'Wentworth Woods' in loving memory of teaching assistant, Leanne Wentworth, who died last year.

Leanne Wentworth. Picture: The Wentworth family (Image: The Wentworth family)

Mrs Wentworth - who was the driving force behind many of the school’s eco-activities, including the creation of the 'Eco Committee' - started working at the school on Jermyns Road, Reydon in 2015, having previously volunteered in a year one class.

After her untimely death on March 24 last year, the family and school community united to bring about her vision of a bird hide in the wooded area at the school to honour her memory.

Reydon Primary School remembering Mrs Wentworth. Picture: Reydon Primary School (Image: Reydon Primary School)

With 'Wentworth Woods' the culmination of the generosity and kindness of locals and the school community - who donated materials and volunteered their time to help bring Mrs Wentworth's vision to life - the wooded area was officially opened last month.

Teachers, pupils and family members created bird boxes, hedgehog houses, bug hotels and natural decorations for the woodland.

Andy Wentworth, Leanne’s husband, said: "I would like to thank everyone who helped make my wife’s next mission possible.

Tributes have been paid to Leanne Wentworth. Picture: The Wentworth family (Image: The Wentworth family)

"It wouldn’t have happened without the kindness and generosity of the Reydon Primary school community, Reydon Trust, Duncan & Son builders and my own wonderful family, including my children River and Ivy - who painted the bird hide.

Woodland decorations in memory of Mrs Wentworth. Picture: Reydon Primary School (Image: Reydon Primary School)

"I am very grateful to the children and teachers at the school, who created some lovely natural artwork to decorate these woods.

"I think Leanne would be so pleased and proud of everyone.”

Pupils, teachers and Mrs Wentworth's family all gathered at the school - which is part of The Active Learning Trust - to commemorate the woodland on May 22.

The opening saw the whole school sing 'A Wonderful World' before Leanne’s daughter, Ivy Wentworth unveiled the sign which had been designed by some of the children.

The Eco Committee and guests then enjoyed tea and cakes which were kindly donated by Lucy Jones.

Martyn Payne, executive head of Reydon Primary School, said: "The opening of Wentworth Woods has been a truly special occasion and is a very fitting tribute to our friend and colleague Mrs Wentworth.

"As the founder of the Eco Committee at Reydon Primary, Mrs Wentworth was very passionate about the environment and local surroundings."

The bird hide is unveiled in memory of Mrs Wentworth. Picture: Reydon Primary School (Image: Reydon Primary School)

Mr Payne added: "One of her dreams was to build a bird hide in the wooded area at school and I am so glad we have been able to turn this into a reality.

"Thank you to everyone whose hard work has made this possible."

CEO of The Active Learning Trust, Lynsey Holzer, said: "Mrs Wentworth was a hugely inspiring and much-loved member of the community at Reydon Primary School.

"By honouring her with this wonderful tribute, the school now has a very special place for everyone to visit, enjoy and remember her now and in the future.

"On behalf of The Active Learning Trust, I would like to thank everyone for their support with this project and our thoughts continue to be with Mrs Wentworth’s family and everyone at Reydon Primary School."

Describing the new wooded area as "a wonderful legacy" of Mrs Wentworth's passion for the environment, a school spokesman said that since the official opening "the staff and children have been enjoying the bird hide and beautiful environment that has been created," and they will "continue to do so in the weeks, months and years ahead."