Brambles Infant School and Nursery
In March 2021 Brambles nursery manager, Vicky Taylor, emailed Portsmouth Climate Action Board asking for help to green their playground. We arranged a visit with Andy Ames from the Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust, gardening expert and author Martyn Cox and some local volunteers to find out more about what Vicky was looking for and the potential of the site.
As it happened a Climate Crowdfunder was starting in July and we asked the school if they would like to enter, with our support. They agreed, and after a few short weeks firming up the plans for greening the school and making a promotional video, the climate challenge launched.
We had 24 hours to raise £1000, which felt a bit daunting! As it turned out we need not have worried: we raised the £1000 in under two hours and went on to raise an incredible £4000 by 7pm the next day. On top of this, our project won the competition and was awarded first prize: a £5000 grant from Portsmouth City Council.
Since then we have purchased the trees for a wildlife hedge and planted it along the south edge of the playground.
On Saturday April 2nd the school had a Community Gardening Day where they planted some wildflowers, prepared the raised beds with compost and seeds, and made some bird boxes and bug hotels.
The day was very well attended by parents and their kids, as well members of the local community.
The wildflowers and veg that was planted are now in bloom!
The school has more plans to continue the greening, including adding a pond, fruit trees in pots, fruiting hanging baskets for the nursery and weaving sustainability and nature awareness through the lesson plans. Watch this space!
