Pupils are enjoying a new nature garden at their school after members of the community chose them to receive council cash.
Residents in the Adeyfield area were asked to vote on local projects worthy of receiving money from Dacorum Borough and Hertfordshire County Councils.The Adeyfield Action – You Choose project awarded money to Broadfield School to build a new Windmill Nature Garden.
The school area was given £8,000 of funding to build the nature area, which includes a new pond, 14 new trees, a willow arch and bird screen. The school has also made bat boxes for the area, which is now known as the Forest School.
The Forest School has already hosted a family ‘stories and songs around the fire’ event and has been used to train staff to teach about nature.
Headteacher Matthew Heasman said: “The nature area has quickly become an essential part of the school grounds.”
Pupil Chloe, from the reception class, said: “I like making homes for the little animals.” Five other projects were also chosen to receive cash. Adeyfield School was given money towards a new mini bus and Adeyfield Adventure Playground has a new youth shelter with blue tooth painted in colours chosen by the young people. Little Acorns Playgroup was given money for a new garden, which has been opened by the town mayor Cllr Mrs Gillian Chapman, and Hemel Hempstead Amateur Boxing Club was given money to refurbish its building. The St Barnabus Bingo says it has noticed a boost in members since it received money for a new PA system and bingo machine.