Swinden Quarry supports school wildlife project

Local primary school creates allotment and wildlife garden with £2,000 grant from new fund

TARMAC’s Swinden Quarry has supported its first project through the new Swinden Quarry Natural Environment Fund. Cracoe and Rylstone Primary School in Craven received £2,000 to create an allotment and wildlife garden on land next to the school.

Ella Bersharati, executive co-headteacher of the Upper Wharfedale Primary Federation, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Tarmac, our local ward councillor David Pighills, the Cracoe Village Hall Committee and so many members of the local community in bringing this project to fruition.

‘We are absolutely delighted to have this additional space, as we are seeing more and more the educational benefits of nature-based and outdoor learning. The children had recently started weekly cookery lessons, which they loved, and they were particularly excited about the prospect of cooking with what they had grown themselves.’

Tim Palmer, quarry manager at Swinden, said: ‘It’s great that we have been able to support Cracoe and Rylstone Primary School through the Swinden Quarry Natural Environment Fund. We hope the allotment and garden bring the children a lot of fun and enjoyment.’

A total of £30,000 will be available each year for projects which conserve and enhance the environment, with the grants being administered by the National Park Authority.

Jim Munday, member champion for development management at the National Park Authority, said: ‘The Swinden Quarry Natural Environment Fund is an example of how careful planning can result in environmental gains. The fund is open to applicants now, and I am looking forward to seeing many exciting and worthwhile projects being supported over the coming years.

‘It’s fantastic to see what Cracoe and Rylstone Primary School have done with the first grant to be made from the fund. The allotments will be managed in a way to attract beneficial insects and other wildlife. There will be features such as ‘beetle banks’ as well as areas of bramble, native hedgerows and wildflowers – all good news for local birds, bees and bats.’