Ascend Builds 'Woodland Classroom' for Local School

Employees construct outdoor teaching space for Elmridge Primary School in Trafford, Greater Manchester

Ascend – the UK’s largest third-party operator of single-family rental (SFR) homes, overseeing two thirds of the entire asset class – has built a new ‘woodland classroom’ for a local school as part of its commitment to community and wider ESG initiatives.

After approaching nearby Elmridge Primary School in Trafford, Greater Manchester, Ascend learned that the school needed its outdoor teaching space to be updated as the existing area had become dilapidated. Working with the school to meet its exact requirements, Ascend designed the new woodland classroom and put in place a works programme to complete the project.

Employees at the Sale-based firm volunteered for 120 hours to build the new outdoor teaching space, with Ascend purchasing the materials from local supplier partners. Over the course of two weeks, volunteers cleaned-up the area and constructed new seating from timber sleepers, featuring the values of Elmridge Primary School: Challenge, Collaboration, Compassion. 

See the transformation:

Before...

... and after! 

The project is part of Ascend’s wider commitment to ESG and social responsibility, which has delivered considerable sustainability and amenity benefits to the firm’s employees, the residents of the homes it manages and the communities in which it operates.

Ascend has made 20 ESG commitments, with other community-based initiatives including: planting a tree for every home Ascend rents or sells; launching a Green Living programme to educate residents on sustainable living; and replacing the firm’s fleet with electric or hybrid vehicles.

Rebecca Bolton, Principal of Elmridge Primary School, said: 

When Ascend first approached me about the opportunity to support our school, I could never have imagined the speed and quality with which this project would come to life. Ascend has funded, designed, and built us a stunning brand-new outdoor classroom - something far beyond what our school budget could have achieved. This transformed space will allow every class to take their learning outdoors, bringing proven benefits for both mental health and well-being. I cannot thank the team at Ascend enough for the incredible opportunities they have created for our children. We are so grateful for their support.

Lee Hill, Commercial Director of Ascend, added: 

Elmridge is a fantastic local primary school, and it is really satisfying to be able to provide a ‘woodland classroom’ that will be of huge benefit to pupils there for many years to come. Ascend has always sought to make a positive contribution to the communities in which it operates, and the fact that this project was achieved through our employees giving up their own free time to volunteer makes me especially proud of the team.

Find out more about Ascend’s sustainability strategy here.