Dr Thomlinson C of E Middle School Creates a Felt Mushroom Woodland for Wildlife Awareness

Students at Dr Thomlinson C of E Middle School have been busy crafting a woodland of their own, through an inspiring community art and environmental project involving hundreds of handmade felt mushrooms.

This creative initiative is part of a wider effort to support the Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s campaign to purchase and restore the Rothbury Estate, including the Simonside Hills area, all near Dr Thomlinson’s site. 

Connecting Creativity, Learning and Nature

As part of their Forest School lessons, every student in the school has made two mushrooms each, resulting in a spectacular collection of around 400 felt creations. Led by Jane Austin-Walker, Teaching Assistant and Forest School Leader, the project used a mix of felt and locally sourced wool, encouraging children to explore both craft and sustainability.

During half term, on Tuesday 28th October, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, the felt mushrooms will form a stunning woodland scene on stage at the Jubilee Hall in Rothbury. The event will bring together the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, community groups, and local residents to celebrate the landscape and raise further awareness for this important cause.

The Northumberland Wildlife Trust project to restore the Rotbury area is a £30 million project that has already raised £10 million. The aim is to protect and rewild the area, encouraging biodiversity and replacing non-native pines with native species to create a more resilient, wildlife-friendly environment.

Back at school, a mini display in the entrance hall showcases some of the mushrooms sprouting from logs, creating a delightful Harvest Festival feature. The students received an assembly showing the importance of involving the community and the ecological benefits of the project. In addition, students are shown photographs taken of their work, installed amongst nature at Simonside, providing a powerful symbol of teamwork and creativity.

Jane Austin-Walker, Teaching Assistant and Forest School Leader, said: 

“The pupils loved it, they had a great time making their mushrooms. It was a creative thing to do and a collaborative project. What I particularly like is that everyone is working together and all doing our little bit, making something amazing together that we wouldn’t be able to do individually.”

Learning for a Sustainable Future

Through this project, pupils have been learning not just about art, but about ecology, sustainability, and community responsibility. They’ve explored how local actions, from reducing sheep numbers to protect plant diversity, to reintroducing native trees after storms, contribute to a healthier landscape.

This ethos of hands-on learning and environmental mindfulness reflects the Cheviot Learning Trust’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a sense of stewardship among its pupils.

After the Jubilee Hall exhibition, children will be able to take their mushrooms home as a memento, a reminder that small actions, when combined, can create something extraordinary.

It’s great to see students learning about the impact and importance of celebrating what makes the Rothbury community special.