The Chantry community has rallied around a primary school after some of its forest school was cut down by vandals. 

The incident happened over the summer holidays when trees and shrubbery that belonged to St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Primary School were removed.

The area was a part of the site's forest school where they would take students out of the classroom and educate them about nature. 

The community came together on Saturday.The community came together on Saturday. (Image: Contributed) At the weekend, the school received help from 15 to 20 parents as well as community volunteers to help them tidy up the woodland area. 

To replace the cut down trees and shrubs, the school is putting in place an orchard and garden on the grounds. 

The school is based on Stone Lodge Lane in ChantryThe school is based on Stone Lodge Lane in Chantry. (Image: Google Maps) The school's headteacher Michal Keller said: "Unfortunately, over the summer holidays and during last week the forest school's area has been damaged by vandalism."

He added that this shrubbery not only provided a habitat for wildlife and opportunities for learning but also acted as a protective screen for children.

The trees acted as a protective screen.The trees acted as a protective screen. (Image: Contributed) "Thankfully, due to the kind-heartedness of the local community, the area was not out of use for long as, along with staff, parents generously gave up yet more time over a weekend to help make the area good once more," Mr Keller added. 

"This shows the feeling of belonging that the school creates and we are proud of and grateful for, the support we receive from staff and parents."

The trees has been chopped down over the summer break.The trees were chopped down over the summer break. (Image: Contributed) These woodlands will now be maintained by school staff, parents and volunteers.

The forest school is an opportunity for young students to learn new life skills and promote independence through hands-on learning experiences.

St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Primary School is liaising with the police and the local authority to address the vandalism.

Suffolk Constabulary have not made any arrests as of yet, and request anyone with information to approach them with the reference number 37/50544/24.