Groundwork Caerphilly’s Solid Ground programme is a community led environmental regeneration programme with the aim of demonstrating how working with individuals and groups can bring positive social and environmental change to rural communities across the Caerphilly Borough.
The programme is just one of a number of initiatives delivered by Groundwork Caerphilly, a key player in local regeneration and sustainable development.
Supported by the Rural Development Plan for Wales, Solid Ground’s end goal is for communities to take ownership of their local environment in order to secure long term sustainability by doing more with less.
The environmental projects at Deri Primary School are an example of what can be achieved by an enthused community that have taken an active role in their environment.
The Solid Ground team has worked closely with the school, governors, local residents and community groups to design and develop a sensory garden and plastic bottle greenhouse.
In the garden particular attention was given to stimulating the five primary senses challenging users to see, hear, taste, smell and touch. The garden now plays a key role in the children’s environmental education and understanding of nature and sustainability.
In addition a plastic bottle greenhouse has been constructed to allow pupils to develop their green skills. Many thanks must be given to parents and the community for busily collecting plastic bottles and to the volunteers who took part in the assembly of the greenhouse at Deri at the end of July.
Head teacher Mrs Williams noted that, 'Solid Ground has been working at Deri Primary School on outdoor projects since January 2010, and these projects have enhanced our school in many ways. All these projects have involved the whole school, the community, local partnerships and volunteers and the result has been fantastic.'
For further information on the opportunities available contact Groundwork Caerphilly on 01495 222605 or email caerphilly@groundwork.org.uk.
