CIL funding part pays for a grounds upgrade at St Mary's Bentworth CE Primary School
A bird hide, a bug hotel and a walkway into a wild meadow are part of the new-look grounds at a Bentworth school thanks to an ambitious landscaping project funded in part by developer’s contributions.
St Mary’s Bentworth CE Primary School received £60,000 from East Hampshire District Council to help pay for plans to transform parts of its grounds and give its pupils fantastic new learning opportunities.
The money has come from the Community Infrastructure Levy, a pot of funding built up from local housebuilders to support improvements to infrastructure in the area.
The scheme included a polytunnel to allow year-round planting, raised beds for each class to grow their own flowers, a bird hide which doubles as a quiet place for pupils to learn and an insect shelter called ‘Bugingham Pallets’.
The plans were detailed in a Landscape Strategy, compiled by the children and staff together, that focused on developing a better understanding of the environment.
Headteacher Jo Ayres said the new features have been a huge hit with her pupils.
She said: “Our Landscape Strategy had all our ideas - the children planned out what they wanted for themselves, but also as eco-warriors, and this grant made it happen.
“Making their hopes a reality is just so special and shows them that they matter and that we do care about our environment and being stewards for our world. Special thanks to the EHDC officers who have given us support the whole way. This will be enjoyed for years to come!"
The school was awarded funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy in 2023. CIL income can be used to fund the additional infrastructure required to support new developments, including roads, schools, green spaces and community facilities.
Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regulation & Enforcement, said: “This is a marvellous scheme which has turned the wishes of the pupils into something really imaginative, educational and fun.
“The Community Infrastructure Levy is an important fund that grows as homes are delivered in an area. It can be used to fund all kinds of infrastructure projects and local organisations such as charities, community groups and parish councils are encouraged to apply to help deliver their schemes.”