A North East primary school is turning a redundant corner of its site into a new outdoor learning and community space with help from a recycling firm.
Norton Primary Academy in Stockton is leading the project with the support of Teesside-based recycling company Scott Bros, which has donated 40 tonnes of recycled topsoil to help bring the vision to life.
The land, once occupied by the school caretaker’s bungalow, has been unused since the building was demolished several years ago.
Helen Deehan from Business in the Community, which is helping to co-ordinate the project, said: "Support from businesses like Scott Bros is absolutely invaluable and makes projects like this possible.
"This space will become a thriving nature-based environment for both the children and the wider community.
"Having access to green space is so important because it gives young people opportunities to learn about habitats, plants and caring for the environment, while also providing somewhere that can have a calming influence during the school day.
"Because the site will also be accessible to the local community, it will become a real shared asset that people of all ages can enjoy."
Plans for the space include areas for planting trees, flowers, and other greenery to encourage biodiversity and support environmental education.
Peter Scott, director of Scott Bros, said: "It's a real pleasure to be involved in a project like this, particularly as it's happening right on our doorstep.
"The topsoil has been produced at our local recycling facility from materials that would otherwise have gone to waste.
"By blending recycled soil with compost made from green waste, we've created a high-quality product that can now be used to create something really positive for future generations.
"We've supported a number of similar projects across the region and it's always rewarding to see the excitement on the children's faces when they see what's possible."
The project is being delivered in partnership with Business in the Community.
The organisation has brought together organisations from across the region to help turn the vision into reality.
At the centre of the scheme is a focus on learning, sustainability, and connection with nature.
Michelle Randall-Harris, principal at Norton Primary Academy, said: "When the caretaker's bungalow was demolished, we were left with this wonderful opportunity to create something really special.
"Our vision has always been to transform the space into somewhere that enhances learning opportunities for our children while also becoming a place the wider community can enjoy.
"The children will be able to see plants grow, learn about habitats and biodiversity, experience different textures and environments, and understand how we care for the world around us.
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"It's about much more than creating a garden – it's about creating a space that brings people together.
"We're surrounded by homes and have care homes nearby, so we're looking forward to opening the space up for community and school events where everyone can benefit from what we're creating.
"We're incredibly grateful to Scott Bros and everyone else who has supported the project."
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