On 8th May, Year 8 students took part in a special Day of Service at Fairhaven Lake in support of the Social Action Group and to celebrate the 100th birthday of David Attenborough.
Throughout the day, students worked alongside the Communities Team to support the ongoing restoration of the Japanese Pond and Gardens, a unique habitat that was rediscovered in 2022 after being hidden for almost 100 years. The event gave students the opportunity to learn more about conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting local ecosystems through hands-on environmental work.
One of the activities involved pond dipping in the lake, where students investigated what species were living in the water. The findings will contribute to data that is collected regularly to help monitor the health and biodiversity of the habitat over time.
Students also helped improve biodiversity by removing white poplar saplings. If left unmanaged, these fast-growing trees could become a dominant species and reduce the variety of plants and wildlife in the area. By carefully removing the saplings, students played an important role in helping native species thrive.
Another important task was cutting back bamboo in the gardens. Rather than allowing the material to go to waste, students collected the cut bamboo to create bug houses, providing valuable shelter for insects and other small creatures. This creative recycling project highlighted the importance of supporting wildlife in simple but effective ways.
In addition, students spent time de-weeding garden beds and preparing the soil for new planting within the Japanese Gardens. Their hard work will help create a healthier environment for future plants and ensure the gardens continue to flourish for visitors and wildlife alike.
The Day of Service was a fantastic opportunity for students to give back to the local community while gaining a greater understanding of environmental conservation. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment throughout the day were outstanding, and they should be proud of the positive contribution they made to this important restoration project.