New school garden is for community
PUPILS have celebrated the completion of a £20,000 new school and community woodland garden.
The interactive, attractive and in places reflective green space at Croft CE Primary School has been created from a former patch of scrubland for the benefit of the whole community.
It includes a labyrinth, a birdwatching station and a barefoot walk, with a central water feature.
There is also a wilder section where pupils will be able to take part in forest school activities.
The transformation was made possible with Lottery funding and the support of community businesses, groups and individuals, including many parents of pupils.
Supporters and sponsors were invited to an opening ceremony, at which Blaby District Councillor Christine Merrill cut a ribbon to the revamped space which was designed by parent Marissa Ewing-Gerrard, of Ewing-Gerrard Garden Design.
Pupils sang to their guests and gave out thankyou cards before releasing balloons.
Headteacher Trudie Colotto, who kickstarted the project two years ago, said: “This project has brought the whole community together and we have been overwhelmed by how generous peo- ple have been with their time, donations, skills and ideas.
“Marissa has led the design of the woodland garden and created a beautiful, calming space for pupils and the local community to reflect and enjoy.
“Our wonderful new outdoor space is an amazing asset that can be shared by the whole community.”
She said special thanks were due to the following: National Lottery Big Lottery Fund, Aggregate Industries, Alderman & Newton Foundation, Blaby District Council, Leicestershire & Rutland Garden Trust, Midland Access Platforms, Waitrose, Asda, St Michael’s & All Angels Church, The Woolly Crofters, Croft Happy Circle, Croft Parish Council, Croft Wednesday Group, Friends of Croft, Bible Club, Pebbles Tot Group and all the families of Croft CE Primary School who donated plants.