The pond at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in
Risinghill Street Islington - click here to view a map of the area - is now
brimming with water and plants thanks to the efforts of staff and
pupils, a local charity, a telecommunications company, a radio
station and an investment bank. The pond, which had been empty and
dried up for months, has been transformed into a oasis for aquatic
wildlife and for pupils and teachers to enjoy.
The pond and garden space was transformed by Groundwork, telecommunications company Inmarsat, investment bank Lehman Brothers, pupils and teachers as well as crafts people from Bromley-by-Bow and local artists.
The revamp included installing new pond lining, paving and
fencing funded by Lehman Brothers. New seating built from recycled
materials and a shadow sun-dial was designed by pupils with help
from some local artists and funded by Capital Radio - Help a London
Child.
Above right - photograph of the pond area before work began, and right, photograph of the finished pond.
The project, which began in October last year, cumulated in
an event in May when staff from Lehman Brothers, Groundwork,
Capital Radio Help a London Child and pupils and teachers from the
school lay the finishing touches to the planting and officially
opened the new area.
Groundwork’s Community Gardener and project called “Happening Horticulture” is funded by Capital Radio - Help a London Child, Bridge House Trust, Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and the London Boroughs of Islington Camden & Westminster.