Purina PetCare factory employees rolled up their sleeves to help school children plant a new biodiversity garden. Twelve members of Purina and Nestlé UK staff joined Wells Hall Primary School children and volunteers from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Butterfly Conservation to create the garden on a specially set aside patch of land on the school’s grounds.
On the day, children from all year groups joined in to dig, sow and water butterfly friendly plants and flowers. The children also took part in a fun butterfly quiz to learn more about some of the species which can be found locally. Once matured, the garden will provide a rich haven for declining species such as the Silver Studded Blue, White Admiral and Grayling.
The project is part of a joint campaign by Nestlé and The Wildlife Trusts to create butterfly friendly flower meadows across Nestlé UK sites by the end of 2015.
Pupils at the school also enjoyed a special assembly where they learnt more about butterflies and the importance of pollinator insects. Pupil Hannah Batty, along with five runners up, received prizes for winning the ‘design a logo’ competition for the Biodiversity Garden information board.
The Purina Sudbury Factory team were supported by a number of its contractors to initiate the project, including ISS cleaners, building firm Rose and workplace supplies company Caswells Group all of which donated time and equipment. The Green Light Trust, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Suffolk Butterfly Conservation group also provided expert support.
Crystal Butler, Safety Health and Environment Manager at the Purina Sudbury factory said:
“It was a great day; everyone from the factory enjoyed being out in the sunshine and helping the children get digging and planting. It was a great way for the children to learn more about their environment and we hope the school will really enjoy the new garden. We are really looking forward to returning to see how the garden matures and to engage further with the school during the big butterfly count.”
Wells Hall Primary School Deputy Head Teacher, Rory Michael said:
“We have been very pleased to be part of this initiative to encourage the growth of the local butterfly population. Pupils and staff enjoyed the day and we look forward to seeing the meadow develop and grow.”