Schoolchildren design new walking map — for use of Barratt Developments South Wales residents

This National Walking Month (May), pupils from Offa’s Mead Academy in Sedbury will help Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales to create a bespoke walking map — for the residents of two developments in Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.

Initial sketches and key ideas for the cross-county walking guide were penned last week by twenty ‘Little Troopers’ from the Academy — all children of Armed Forces personnel at the nearby Beachley Barracks.

For inspiration, the pupils and their teachers joined representatives from Barratt and David Wilson Homes on a walk from the Wyedean Fields development in Sedbury to Brunel Quarter — a newly-launched flagship site in Chepstow.

Each pupil was tasked with noting five of their favourite points of interest along the route, as well as drawing two of their favourite views. The housebuilder’s chosen entries will feature in a bespoke illustrated map for local residents — set to be revealed later this month.

Leading the walk, Mark Richards, Technical Project Manager for Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales, said: “After the past year, we’re all more aware than ever of the positive effects of the great outdoors. From staying fit to boosting mental health — getting out and about regularly has played a huge part in the wellbeing of communities across Wales.

“As the future of the local community in Sedbury, it was a pleasure to welcome the ‘Little Troopers’ of Offa’s Mead Academy to both developments and share some local history with them. What’s more, they were able to engage with nature and their wider surroundings along the route from one development to the other — in true ‘National Walking Month’ style.”

Lisa Sharman, Principal of Offa’s Mead Academy added: “The children of Armed Forces personnel face unique daily challenges as a result of their parents’ career choice — from repeated separation of varying lengths of time to the upheaval of frequently moving homes and schools in some cases.

“Not only can this cause confusion for the child at such a young age, but it can also result in a lost sense of identity and belonging — which is why it’s so important to engage children with their surrounding community, both physically and mentally.

“We’re therefore grateful for opportunities such as this one with Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales which has allowed us to do exactly that — in line with our goal to provide pupils with the very best academic, social and emotional learning opportunities every single day.”