Volunteers from Stoke-on-Trent water retailer Water Plus have helped to transform a school’s eco garden so pupils can learn more about nature and climate change.
The group helped to lay bark and cut back overgrown sections at Co-op Academy Grove, in Stoke-on-Trent, ensuring the area is ready for summer term activities.
As well as forming a base for the school’s Eco Club activities, it will be used as a sensory garden and for building awareness and learning about the environment.
Ashleigh Hampson, an IT service delivery manager at Water Plus who volunteered, said: “It was really nice to be outdoors and making such a difference, as our team’s passionate about providing great customer service, building skills for the future and helping customers with their sustainability goals.
“It’s been great teaming-up with one of our customers to deliver a lasting impact for communities, while raising awareness around positive environmental action to take and I can’t wait to see what the children do with the space.”
Deborah Zaher, Regional Community Development Manager at Co-op Academies Trust, who worked with Water Plus on the day, described the volunteers as ‘amazing’.
She added: “They were an incredible team to work with on the day, enthusiastic and doing whatever needed to be done to help transform this learning space for the children of Co-op Academy Grove.”
Headteacher Shirley Carrigan said: “Thank you to the great and kind-hearted Water Plus team in helping us create such a great location for learning.
“Sustainability isn’t just a topic in the curriculum – it’s a value that shapes character and community. Shining a light on this area empowers young people for the future.
“With every eco project and every student-led garden, young people are learning that sustainability isn’t an abstract idea – it’s something they can get involved with, shape with their own hands and make a positive difference.
“It’s by nurturing these values now, that we’re helping build a generation ready to help care for their communities and their planet.”
