DURING the past 18 months the PTA at Yeoford Primary School has been very busy trying to reclaim the school’s overgrown garden and pond area.

“Our sole aim has been to provide an area where the children can really connect with nature, enhance and enrich their learning experiences and provide a safe and exciting learning environment for them to thrive,” said Lizzie Charlton-Anne, a member of the PTA.

“The children really enjoy pond dipping, identifying aquatic plants and insects and learning about the life cycles of frogs!

“The school has received two very generous donations which has enabled us to revamp the pond area. We would like to thank those companies - firstly a big ‘thank you’ to A and S Paving who kindly donated a large amount of pea gravel.

“This has enabled us to create a ‘beach’, a wetland area, and space to plant marginal aquatic plants to increase the diversity of the wildlife.

“Secondly, to Homeleigh Garden Centre in Crediton who donated several pond plants, a selection of marginal plants, including grasses, buttercups and water irises, now becoming established and providing shelter for wildlife, as well as oxygenating the pond water.

“Fundraising during the Covid-19 pandemic has been very challenging and without the support of these two local businesses, a ‘Love your School’ weekend and PTA volunteers, we would not have accomplished this work during this financial year,” Lizzie added.

The PTA will continue to fundraise to enhance this area and the outdoor space at the school. The next obstacle to overcome will be to repair a leak in the pond liner, which could be costly.

The next fundraising event for the PTA will be a Bingo Night at Yeoford Community Hall on Friday, September 10. Doors open 7pm, Eyes Down at 7.45pm (Over 8’s are welcome).