Pupils committed to environmental project
An environmental project, in which young students have enjoyed
a leading role, has been officially unveiled at a Barry
school.
The project at St Richard Gwyn Roman Catholic High at Coldbrook
is the final element of a 'Safe Routes to School' scheme. Covering
an area leading from the school to a subway under the Barry Docks
link road, it incorporates wild flower and turf areas, a topsoil
planting bed and field maple hedge. The wild flower area contains
some 22 different species.
The overall scheme has
been implemented by the Vale of Glamorgan Council using a Welsh
Assembly Government grant.
Support for the environmental phase has come from Bridgend-based
LGA, who have carried out the improvement works in Holton Road and
who contributed labour and materials free of charge, and B&Q at
Culverhouse Cross who donated tools.
Teacher Bev Lennon said: "The work is helping pupils fulfil the
environmental section of Asdan (Award Scheme Development and
Accreditation Network) which is similar to the Duke of Edinburgh
Award scheme. As part of Asdan, the youngsters are also looking
after the footpath adjacent to the school through the Valeways
Adopt a Footpath scheme."
Also involved in the current project are pupils on a two-year
life skills course, while Years 7-10 youngsters have helped with
planting and maintaining the area through St Richard Gwyn's Eco
School activities.
Senior road safety officer Mike Dacey said: "It is great to see
how committed the pupils are to this project. It has made a really
great difference to the area around the school."
The overall project, the first part of which was unveiled last
year, has also included the development of a separate entrance into
the school grounds for walkers and cyclists, providing direct
access to two new bicycle stands, a new pedestrian crossing, the
introduction of a 20mph zone, the refurbishment of the subway
including the provision of new lights and CCTV.
Photo caption: Pupils from St Richard Gwyn RC
High School at Barry were joined at their new environmental area by
Albert Birkett (managing director) and Deborah Ashong, of LGA Ltd,
teacher Bev Lennon, and Mike Dacey (senior road safety officer) and
Malcolm Drysdale (principal landscape architect) from the Vale of
Glamorgan Council.
15/05/2008