Water engineers help transform school’s garden

A team of water engineers from United Utilities and its partner Morrison Water Services have worked together to help transform a school outdoor learning area.

St Michael In The Hamlet Primary School, in Aigburth was offered some green finger support, after water company United Utilities had been in the area completing essential water work on its network along Aigburth Road and the surrounding streets.

After speaking with the school about the planned work, the company heard how keen the school was to enhance their outdoor space for the children to learn and play, as the current pond area within the school needed an overhaul.

Given the work United Utilities is carrying out in such close proximity, Lesley Miller project co-ordinator at United Utilities, could see how the project team could help.

 “The school wildlife garden area needed some TLC” Lesley explained. “We had a lot of people keen to give up their time to help with practical task such as, stripping the over grown pond area right back, installing new secure fencing around the pond, creating a bug hotel to aid outdoor learning, plus flagging, creating a vegetable patch and a seating area for the children.

It meant that the whole team could pitch in and contribute - which is what it’s all about and everyone enjoyed the challenge”.

The transformation will certainly have a positive impact for the whole school community.  Laura Moreton-Headteacher commented 'As a school, we are so grateful for the wonderful work United Utilities have undertaken on our outdoor learning space.  The children were overjoyed upon rediscovering our pond area and all its inhabitants!  The work will have a lasting impact on our school community and will create many learning opportunities and enrichment experiences for our children.'

The wild life garden was originally a passion project for a very special former member of staff-Mr Aldridge, who sadly passed away some years ago.  His memory lives on within the school community and the team were able to incorporate a memorial plaque in the new pond area.