James Hook and Ben Lewis of the Ospreys opened a Wildlife garden last Thursday afternoon at St Joseph's RC Primary School in Neath following a transformation by Fujitsu volunteers.
The company’s staff worked hard to change an overgrown school play area into a natural wildlife learning space. They gave up their own time to carry out the work, and have raised additional funds to provide materials – bulbs, chipped bark, pond liner and other gardening essentials.
The school near Neath town centre has a school population of approximately 150 pupils. It has a proactive policy of raising children’s understanding and participation in environmental, nature and green issues. Children participate in many outdoor activities such as “Welly Walks”.
The garden area of around 20x40 metres adjoins the school. It consists of trees, grass, shrubs and a small pond. It is already used and enjoyed by the children but has benefited greatly from a “Ground Force” makeover into a more attractive and accessible area for pupils.
Improvements include a meandering path with bird boxes and wildlife tower, multiple planters, multilingual information boards, a bog area (with “carnivorous pond”!) and a shade sail teaching space.
Fujitsu staff have worked with Business in the Community on this project. BITC is a membership organisation mobilising business for good. It is one of The Prince's Charities, and inspires, engages, supports and challenges member companies to improve their positive impact on society.
Owen Evans, Director, Business in the Community Wales said: “Collaborative action between business and community is key to the success of team challenges.
“As well as benefiting St Joseph’s RC Primary School, this particular challenge has provided an excellent opportunity for Fujitsu to develop team building, improve staff morale, motivation and personal development and is an example of the value business can bring to their local communities.”
Fujitsu is keen to promote the technical and management skills of its employees to support local community and charitable activities. The company encourages active participation in both company and local programmes, with particular focus on education, youth and health matters.