NAPIER GARDENS PROJECT GETS OFF THE GROUND

A project to transform the public space at Napier Gardens, Redvers Buller Road in Farnborough has begun.

Funded by a £10,900 grant from St. Modwen Environmental Trust, the charitable arm of St. Modwen – the developer behind the regeneration of Farnborough Town Centre – the scheme kicked off with a pond clearing session. Helpers came in the form of year six pupils from St. Mark’s Primary School, supported by volunteers from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and Rushmoor Borough Council which manages the site.

The children were provided with nets to trawl the ponds and the different plants and animals they collected were analysed. The results will be used to form the basis of picture information boards to be installed in the gardens, which will show visitors the kind of species that are living in the area.

When complete, the gardens will provide the area with picnic tables, nature trails and an overall improved scenic, green space for local people to enjoy.

Andy Wynn, centre manager at The Meads, Farnborough, said: “The St. Modwen Environmental Trust was set up to give something back to the communities in which we develop so it’s great to be involved from the start and get our hands dirty.

“It’s fantastic to work so closely with the school children and watch them help create something that will soon be enjoyed by so many local people.”

Paul Howe, ecology and biodiversity officer, Rushmoor Borough Council, said: “What better year than 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, to see this important nature project get off the ground? We’re delighted to welcome our helpers from St. Mark’s, Blackwater Valley Partnership and our financial supporters St. Modwen to the scheme and give them a chance to really get stuck in.”

The project will continue after the summer break when the children will return to assist with planting in September.