Exeter school’s wildlife garden gets new lease of life

Volunteers from EDF Energy have helped Devon Wildlife Trust improve a wildlife garden at an Exeter school, as part of the ongoing Exeter Wild City project.

The garden at Stoke Hill Infants School now has much improved disabled access while new homes have been created for wildlife including beetles, newts and frogs.

Luke Workman from Devon Wildlife Trust said: "During a planning visit with school Head Teacher Sarah Mackay we decided to widen the path around the whole of the garden to make it accessible for all. The job required a large team so we knew EDF’s Helping Hands scheme could help DWT make a real difference to the lives of wheel chair users."

It was a cold December morning, but fourteen enthusiastic EDF volunteers joined the DWT team to work on the paths. The group also cleared the nature pond of leaf litter, so that frogs can survive the winter in the pond, while trees and bushes were trimmed to encourage new growth.

Aaron Harverson, EDF Co-Ordinator for the South West ‘Helping Hands’ project said: "Helping Hands is EDF Energy’s internal volunteering programme that allows all employees the opportunity to take part in activities that support local community projects. The Helping Hands scheme allows all employees the chance to develop new skills and it allows our employees to act as a force for good in the local community."

Smooth newts had to be re-located to make way for the improved path, but soon settled in to their new homes close to the new wheelchair-friendly route.

Luke added: “It was a great day’s work and DWT would like to thank EDF Energy for providing such an enthusiastic bunch of volunteers and the staff at Stoke Hill Infant School for being such generous hosts – the roast turkey and mince pies were much appreciated."