Little Heath pupils work to create wildlife haven

One school has set about creating its own wildlife haven.

After receiving its Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, Little Heath’s eco-committee turned its sights to transforming a neglected area of the school into a sanctuary for wildlife.

Fourteen volunteers from Procter & Gamble’s south Reading site kickstarted the project by donating their time to help clear the site, ready for the eco-committee.

The group, led by ex-Little Heath pupil Michaela Wombwell, worked through the heat, wind and torrential rain to clear years’ worth of litter and debris.

“It was an absolute pleasure returning to Little Heath,” she said.

“It was an excellent opportunity for us as a team to step away from our typical work day and hopefully have an impact on both the school and the biodiversity of the area.”

Many of the items they found will be repurposed as wildlife habitats and bug hotels instead of being sent to landfill.

The haven will be used to attract birds, insects and wildlife, as well as planting native wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants.

The committee also hopes to share the space with local primary schools and its onsite nursery, Fledglings Day Nursery.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my day volunteering at Little Heath,” said P&G intern John Jones.

“The whole team worked really well together and the school was very welcoming.

“I think we made a great start on the area and I hope the eco-committee can create a wonderful space to learn.”

The school will continue working on the project for the rest of the academic year.

Contact Emma Saunders at marketing@littleheath.org.uk to volunteer or donate materials to the project.