Two adjoining schools in Keighley will develop a “Forest Garden” with cash donated by housing developers.

Pupils of Merlin Top Primary School and Phoenix Special School, on Braithwaite Avenue, will both be able to use the garden.

They will use a £1,500 grant from Barratt Yorkshire West, which has built the Vision estate off nearby North Dean Avenue.

The Forest Garden will offer sensory paths, animal habitats, plants and green areas for the children to play and learn.

Jenny Barbour, from Phoenix School, said the donation had been put towards willow fencing around the pond.

She said: “This has created another educational zone on the Forest School site. Children will be able to take part in pond-dipping activities exploring the flora and fauna on site.

“The fencing will provide additional safety in the winter months from the freezing temperatures.”

Jenny is trained to run Forest Schools, which involve youngsters in traditional activities in woodland such as building dens, foraging and identifying animals and trees.

Barratt Yorkshire West staff have previously provided safety talks at the schools and invited pupils to tour the building site.

The company said it liked to work with schools based close by its developments during the building process.

Sales manager Paula Godfrey said: “We have built up a great relationship with these schools and our involvement in their latest venture cements our drive to engage with the communities in which we build.

“We know the children are very excited and we look forward to seeing the finished results.”