Testwood student Mark Gilmore designed a 'friendship' garden for students as part of his citizenship Half GCSE course which required him to propose a community activity. His plan focused on putting to good use an area of overrun land close to the Totton secondary school.
The garden looked so good on paper that Mark was determined to make his concept a reality. With the support of head teacher Ian Appleton, the college sought sponsorship to help fund the project.
Working in partnership with the school, support from local businesses The Hendy Group and New Forest Landscapes paved the way for the new garden.
Hendy Group donated a mature Quercus Robur oak tree as the centrepiece and pledged its ongoing support to raise money for the garden. And working closely with the students, New Forest Landscapes laid a patio around the tree, where benches will eventually be placed.
Head teacher Ian Appleton spoke of his delight at Mark's determination to make the project come to life.
"I'm thrilled Mark can see his plans come to life and make such good use of the overgrown area. Many children like to run about at lunchtime but for those who wish to sit quietly to eat the garden will be perfect," he explained.
The service department at Hendy Southampton and Hendy Marchwood have pledged to donate money to the garden project when any parent, teacher or anyone associated with Testwood College have any make of vehicle serviced or repaired.
The money raised will go towards funding the planting of more trees to create a small orchard or even an allotment in the new friendship garden. This will enable the students to engage in long term sustainable projects and see the fruits of their hard work.
Craig Hartley, service manager at Hendy Southampton said of the group's participation: "We are delighted to get involved with Testwood on this project and find an innovative way to help raise funds. The contribution to the college will be equivalent to 10% of the pre-VAT invoice value from the work Hendy carry out for every vehicle," said Craig Hartley, service manager at Hendy Southampton.
New Forest Landscapes will be tutoring the pupils at the planting stages of all the work to aid in their understanding of the environmental aspect and processes involved.
Alex Webster of New Forest Landscapes added: "It's great to get involved with the community and get the students interested in the environment. By putting wasteland to a good use, people can enjoy it for many years to come."
For all price enquiries and to book your vehicle in at Hendy Southampton or Hendy Marchwood please call 0845 608 0426.
Pictured: Teachers Tamsin Keynton and Dermot Murphy with Craig Hartley and, front row, Nathan Aplin from Hounsdown School and Marc Gilmore from Testwood School.
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