Manor Infants School
The Brambles Infant School Crowdfunder inspired quite a few other schools to start greening their playgrounds and lessons. One school that got in touch with us was Manor Infants in Fratton.
We visited with Andy Ames (HIWWT) and Matt Underwood (Landport Community Garden) and firmed up some plans, including for a 100m wildlife hedge around the perimeter of the playground, raised beds and bird boxes.
Then working with PCC Council Officers Helen Bergin and Zoe White we secured the funding from Trees for Cities for 500 young trees (whips) to create the hedge. The whips are all native species such as elder, bird cherry, hazel, crab apple and blackthorn so will blossom in the spring and fruit in the winter.
Such hedges are a mini paradise for wildlife: offering food in the form of leaves, nectar-rich flowers, berries, fruits, seeds and nuts, as well as creating cover, nesting opportunities and sheltered areas in the garden, the latter being particularly important for butterflies. Other species that can be supported are Grey squirrel, Hedgehog, Hazel dormouse, Pipistrelle bat, Rabbit, Bumblebees, and many species of birds.
Once the funding was secured we helped the school organise and promote a Planting event which was well attended by pupils, families, volunteers and the Lord Mayor.
The school then embarked on a Crowdfunder to acquire the money for raised beds, tools, wildlife shelters and much more. With the help of the Board and CIL money from PCC they raised their target of £6000.
Since then they have built the raised beds
and a giant bug hotel
There's lots more work to follow including a nursery garden and fruit bushes and climbers