Steve Backshall Launches Walk on the Wild Side 2026

Children at Fressingfield Primary School are being given a boost of encouragement from wildlife presenter Steve Backshall as they prepare to take part in a sponsored Walk on the Wild Side to raise funds for a new outdoor classroom.

The pupils will walk four miles on Friday 13 February, raising money to help build an outdoor learning space on the school field. The classroom will be used by all pupils during Forest School sessions and whenever learning takes place outside, including nature studies, creative writing and hands on maths activities that benefit from being explored at scale.

Steve Backshall, best known for his work on Deadly 60, has thrown his support behind the initiative, helping to inspire the children as they take on the challenge and raise awareness of the importance of outdoor learning.

Much of the funding has already been raised thanks to the fantastic efforts of FOFSA, the school’s Friends of Fressingfield Primary School association. The sponsored walk represents the final push to secure the remaining funds needed to make this next stage of the school’s development a reality.

Mr Leicester, Head of School at Fressingfield Primary School, said:

“We are incredibly proud of our pupils for the enthusiasm and determination they have shown. Having Steve Backshall’s support has been hugely motivating for the children and really reinforces the value of learning outdoors. This new outdoor classroom will benefit every child in the school, giving them space to explore, create and learn in a way that simply is not possible inside four walls. We are very grateful to FOFSA and our wider community for helping us get so close to making this vision a reality.”

The school hopes the Walk on the Wild Side will not only raise the remaining funds needed but also celebrate the importance of nature, movement and outdoor learning for children’s development and wellbeing.

If you would like to donate, there is a link to FOFSA's Just Giving Page on our Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561956241017