Phoenix High pupils help their garden to come alive for spring

Pupils at Phoenix High School have been making sure their wildlife garden lives up to its name - by planting 150 new native flowers and plants. The aim is to bring a fresh burst of colour to the garden and attract more butterflies, insects and birds.

Pupils were helped by community gardener Sarah Bland, from environmental charity Groundwork West London. Groundwork helped the school to set up the wildlife garden with funding from the Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (PNRP). Sarah runs a wildlife garden club for Phoenix pupils, which meets after school on Wednesdays. Members of the club and other pupils took part in the replanting session today (Monday, 25 April).

The PNRP, which funds the project, was set up at the school in March 2001 with a regeneration grant of £1.2 million from the government. It has so far funded more than 20 projects, including arts and sporting activities; help for children with language and communication difficulties; a revamp of the school library; a family learning centre to help parents support their children's education; help for pupils transferring from primary school and peer mentoring schemes, where pupils support other pupils. Resources are also available to neighbouring primary schools and local people in the surrounding area. The programme is continuing with a further £450,000 government grant.

Sarah Bland, community gardener from Groundwork West London, said: "We removed plants which did not survive the winter and have put in flowers and shrubs that will attract butterflies and birds. We want to bring lots of colour to the garden this year so that it is pleasant for pupils to visit and sit there as well."

Philippa Berry, PNRP co-ordinator at Phoenix High, said: "The garden project was set up in the early stages of the PNRP and has been running successfully ever since. Pupils enjoy going there at break times and lunchtimes and the after-school gardening club meets regularly. This was a chance to put new life back into the garden so we can make the most of it this year."

Cllr David Williams, deputy for education, said: "The Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme is an innovative scheme to improve pupils' motivation and skills, as well as strengthen links with other local organisations.
The pupils who have taken part in PNRP activities have shown tremendous commitment and creativity and projects such as the wildlife garden have benefited everyone at the school. The PNRP is bringing together a wide range of people who are helping pupils and their families. The whole project is making a real difference to their quality of life and school standards."

May 8, 2005