THE MAYOR’S WELLBEING FUND & PLACES FOR PEOPLE

CREATING A PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO ENJOY NATURE

2007 Jan - The children of Burradon Community Primary School have big plans to create a wildlife garden within an area of woodland within the grounds of the school. The Children would like the area to be used by pupils of all ages to investigate nature and enjoy the local environment.

The area is uncultivated at present.

Pupils have been involved with the design for the project and the scheme will include a pond, nature trail, pathways, wildlife habitat, bat boxes, bird hides and picnic tables and benches.

The children were successful with their efforts to raise the funding to create the wildlife garden and secured grants from The Mayor’s Well-Being Fund and Places for People.

Mr Gilfillan Headmaster said: “The idea of a woodland nature project originated from a desire to develop an area of the woodland within the school ground for the children to use. We believed the area would present the children with opportunities to explore a variety of nature and wildlife habitats.

The concept was submitted to the School Council who then created the design which incorporated walkways and footpaths which allows the pupils to study various habitats and a pond. I wish to express my gratitude to all the donors for their generosity.”

Mr Paul Gallagher, Places for People stated “As a stakeholder and partner of the village estate agreement, we are delighted to be provided with an opportunity to support the school and the village. Our area customer liaison panel donated £2,000 to the school as a contribution to develop the wildlife garden and will provide benefits to the children of the tenants of the Kirkwood estate and the wider community.”

Mr Gilfillan, Head of Burradon Primary School receives a cheque from Marilyn Hull
Jonquil Hood, Paul Gallagher and Marilyn Hull, Places for People

The previous 12 months has been a remarkable period for the pupils, teachers and parents of Burradon Primary School with the occupation of the new school during April and the visit of Prime Minster Tony Blair to officially open the School on 17 November 2006.

The creation of the nature garden demonstrates that the school is not resting on its laurels and is committed to developing the amenities to enhance the children’s education and quality of life.

The developing partnership between North Tyneside Council and Places for People is delivering huge benefits for the local community with the creation of the wildlife garden and the new Well-Being Facility at Kirkdale Court, both projects will promote healthy living.