‘Pond polish’ helps wildlife to flourish at Burley School (From Ilkley Gazette)

‘Pond polish’ helps wildlife to flourish at Burley School

7:40am Monday 2nd July 2012 in News By Annette McIntyre

Youngsters are making the most of their school pond after the installation of a dipping platform.

The new feature, which allows children to go pond-dipping and to carry out observations, has been put in place in the wake of a successful clean-up by Burley and Woodhead C of E Primary School pupils.

The ‘pond polish’ last year was adjudged a huge success, and saw children as young as four clearing out weeds and dirt with the help of their parents.

All their efforts led to a flourishing asset, with plants and wildlife thriving. And the PTA commissioned a dipping platform to make sure the school and the local community were able to make the most of it. It was installed with funding from the PTA, Burley Round Table, Ilkley Round Table and the Sir George Martin Trust.

Christine and John Hobson, from The Wharfedale Natural-ists Society, which donated plants and wildlife to the pond, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the clean-up project, and we are pleased to see how the pond has flourished since.”

PTA chairman Jane Campbell said: “The addition of the dipping platform has been fantastic for the pupils to enjoy, and because the pond is easily accessible and wheelchair-friendly, we would also like to encourage external groups to visit the pond by arrangement with the school.

“This means we can continue to encourage the growth of this habitat into a wonderful resource for the whole community.”