James Johnston checked in to a Wakefield primary school to help build a bug hotel as part of its pupils’ plans to ‘save the planet.’
The 23-year-old, who is currently in his final year of a two-year graduate programme with our Wakefield-based Yorkshire division, created the insect ‘des-res’ for Outwood Academy Primary in Park Hill.
And it fitted perfectly with the school’s project to create an outdoor area to help save the local wildlife.
Teacher Gosia Pupko explained: “As a part of our 'Eco Warriors Club', science and geography lessons, the children came up with a multi-step action plan to save the planet. They designed and drew plans for our outdoor area with the main focus of saving local wildlife.
“James gave us ideas that we adapted for the needs of our school. Our lawn is a bit like a desert for insects so we included a bug hotel – thank you so much, it is amazing – and the children have been exploring it and observing insects as it forms part of our science topic for this half term.”
Geography graduate James, who lives in Leeds city centre, said it was great to get involved with the school and its young pupils: “When I was at Lancaster University, I used to go into schools to talk about uni and higher education, so I enjoyed going in to the talk to the year three and four pupils.
“It played to my degree looking at wildlife and biodiversity; the children were really eager and it was nice to talk to them.”
The Community Engagement Project forms part of the second year of our Graduate Programme, which tasks those involved with identifying local schools who might benefit from educational resources to promote wildlife, and their environments and habitats. It has the dual benefit of allowing children to learn and interact with nature, and the graduates to engage with their local community.
Normally our graduates come together from all around the country to work on a major project but this year, because of the Covid pandemic, numerous smaller projects were carried out by individuals like James or by smaller groups while adhering to Government guidelines.
James liaised with our Saxon Gardens site in Sherburn in Elmet, to get the materials to build the giant bug hotel for the school – “I’m 6ft 2in and it was taller than me!” – as well as paint to upcycle the planters they already had.
James said: “To be a part of something that will be so useful to the school over a long period of time is great, it feels like quite an achievement. And things like this, getting children outside and enjoying nature, are more important than ever now.”
Gosia added: “James also gave us the idea of creating a wildflower meadow and we have got some wildflowers now outside our classrooms. We planted flowers for pollinators and vegetables, which we used to prepare healthy vegan meals. In 'Eco Warriors Club' we are doing everything we can to save the planet, for example, making our own soap, sewing canvas bags to replace plastic bags, we have a hedgehog shelter and we do regular litter picking.”
Paul Borrowdale from our talent team, said: “Our graduates from around the country have had to project manage the design, the creation and delivery of wildflower planters, bird boxes, bug hotels, mud kitchens and other creative items, using sustainable and recycled materials. They worked with our site teams, trade apprentices and sub-contractors to build the items, and provide the plants, seeds and flowers.
“We think they have done a fantastic job and are proud of what they have achieved.”
To find out more about our graduate programme visit Graduates – Redrow PLC
