Southern Water helps clear school’s woodland garden

Nine volunteers from across the company helped the Five Oaks school, which is run by disability charity Scope, clear its ancient woodland garden before an open day.

The volunteers demolished an ageing wooden hut, manned a bonfire and cleared a path in an area known as the Woodland Project – a scheme to provide new outdoor learning opportunities for pupils and students of Ingfield and other schools.

The school’s woodland manager David Spreadbury-Troy said: “We’re very grateful to Southern Water for its help.

“Demolishing and burning all that wood was hard work but everyone got stuck in and the area is now ready to show off to the public at The Friends of Ingfield Fete at the weekend. The Woodland Project has been made possible by the support of the Friends over the year.”

Southern Water’s director of communications Geoff Loader was among the volunteers. He said: “Ingfield Manor is a unique place and it was a privilege to spend time working on The Woodland Project. Our support will be ongoing.”

Ingfield Manor School is a day and weekly boarding school for 61 pupils aged three to 19 with neuro-motor impairments.

The relationship between the two organisations started in 2013, when David contacted Southern Water asking for support in creating a composting toilet. Southern Water was so impressed with the project, it pledged to offer more support and has now carried out three volunteering days.

The work was carried out under Southern Water’s staff volunteering scheme, where all members of staff are given two days paid leave to volunteer.