School project aims to create wildlife haven for borough pupils

An ambitious environmental project in the borough could see large stretches of unused and run-down land transformed into a mini sanctuary for wildlife and wild flowers.
Paul Barton, Allan McGregor, year two teacher Catherine Featherstone, Allison McIntosh and pupils at the site which will be converted into a wildlife areaPaul Barton, Allan McGregor, year two teacher Catherine Featherstone, Allison McIntosh and pupils at the site which will be converted into a wildlife area
Paul Barton, Allan McGregor, year two teacher Catherine Featherstone, Allison McIntosh and pupils at the site which will be converted into a wildlife area

Wigan Council is working with Twelve Apostles School in Westleigh to secure sponsorship for the scheme which could breathe new life into the surroundings.

The proposal is to transform an area to the southern boundary of the school’s KS1 playground into a wildlife corridor by connecting the green space of the western end of the school grounds to the wildlife area to the east. The school and the council are bidding to rejuvenate the area so it can be enjoyed by pupils and local residents.

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Coun Paul Prescott, council cabinet member for environment, said the project will be mutually beneficial for the school and Westleigh residents. Coun Prescott said: “It’s fantastic to see another school in the borough that is keen to expand their schoolchildren’s learning and experiences in an eco-friendly project.

“Once complete, it will be great to see new wildlife and wildflowers in the area that will be mutually beneficial for the school and the residents of Westleigh.”

Two housing developers, Countryside and Brookhouse, have pledged support to the programme with £1,500 and £300 donations respectively.

The scheme falls in line with the council’s Naturalising the Borough project which is looking to increase biodiversity and enhance wildlife. This stems from the peak of the coronavirus outbreak when most of the council’s grass cutting services ceased.

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Officers are continuing to evaluate what other sites could benefit from reduced cutting services as they build a picture of what the borough could like in the future.

A number of areas have already been identified such as Golborne Park, Norley Quarry/Rosehill Park, Lodge Road playing field, East Lancs Road verges, Walsmley Park and Amberswood Common.

Twelve Apostles headteacher Sheenagh Newton said: “The children and staff are really excited about this project and appreciative of the support and funding .

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for our children and aesthetically pleasing for local residents.”

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