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09/12/2011
Veolia volunteers build raised beds for Hinde House School's allotment
A team of eleven volunteers from Veolia Environmental Services got their hands dirty at Hinde House Secondary School during half-term. The school has created 6 mini-allotments on their premises, and the volunteers helped out by tackling some of the heavy jobs.
The Veolia Environmental Services team worked together to clear the grass and lay a bark path between the beds. They created wooden surrounds using old scaffolding planks and boxed in each mini-allotment to make raised beds. Wooden compost bins were built so the pupils can see how their kitchen and garden waste can be turned it into nutritious compost. The compost will be used on the allotment to make sure the plants grow strong and healthy.
Veolia Environmental Services grant their employees 1 day per year to get involved with good causes. Their volunteer co-ordinator matches staff requirements with local volunteering opportunities.
Scott Francis, ERF operations manager at Veolia, commented: "It has been really rewarding to see the allotment take shape. The team thoroughly enjoyed the day and we hope it makes a real difference for the school and pupils."
Hinde House Secondary is one of six local schools involved with Groundwork’s Green Groove project, which is funded through the Big Lottery’s Local Food scheme. Groundwork’s growing project worker Debs Scholey works alongside teacher Kath Iredale to engage the school’s children with food growing. This year a group of Y9 pupils are working towards a vocational COPE accreditation, using horticulture as the practical demonstration of their learning.
Debs Scholey said: "The Veolia volunteers were all keen and enthusiastic and the work they completed was fantastic! The school is very grateful for their hard work and the pupils will benefit from working on the allotment for years to come."
