Braidwater’s Outreach Programme continued recently with a visit by pupils from Roe Valley Integrated Primary School to the soon-to-be launched ‘Garden of Biodiversity’ at Roe Wood. 

Some of the Roe Valley Integrated PS pupils who helped ‘fill out’ the Bug Hotel with straw and piping.

The garden is part of the Braidwater Group’s ‘Net Zero Emissions’ strategy and the biodiversity measures aim to improve shelter, nesting and food options for wildlife in the area through the provision of natural habitat, including a ‘bug hotel’ and a ‘wildlife hedgerow.’

Marketing Manager at Braidwater, Darren Farnan, said he was delighted to see the local school lend a hand to develop the new garden project.

‘We at Braidwater were thrilled that the pupils of Roe Valley Integrated Primary School made a visit to our garden and they were given a very important task in naming it. They also helped to prepare the bug hotel with straw and piping and enjoyed lifting up boulders and logs to find plenty of insects. 

Mr. Farnan added ‘Even though the garden is only new the pupils were able to explore and see what they could find. We hope that over time, the garden attracts frogs, newts, cranes and water beetles, with the ‘bug hotel’ allowing for insect habitat and also provides a food supply for birds, frogs and hedgehogs.’

Darren also added: ‘To further enhance the biodiversity measures at Roe Wood, we have a range of tree-planting in open areas, creating pockets of mature growth for pollinators to thrive and the area where the garden is located in Roe Wood also includes densely-planted shrubbery for nature camouflage, and a willow walkway and dome to act as a hide to observe all the activity.’

The full class from Roe Valley Integrated PS in attendance at the new Garden of Biodiversity.

In a pioneering move, Braidwater has also partnered with the Woodland Trust in sponsoring a grove in Faughan Valley this year, which was officially announced recently and can be located via the Red Brae car park – click here.

Concluding that this was a ‘win-win’ for everyone and congratulating the local school for playing their part, Mr. Farnan said: ‘We are delighted with the involvement of Roe Valley Integrated Primary school. This garden is a win-win for all involved including local residents, the community but most importantly, nature!’

Some more images from the class visit: