CHILDREN ENJOY NATURE TRAIL AND SAFETY LESSON

AN important end of term safety lesson was delivered to children from St Joseph’s RC Primary School during a visit to St Mary’s Garden Village in Ross on Wye.

The Edenstone Group treated year one pupils (age five and six) to a demonstration of some of the heavy machinery being used on site to help build new homes. They were also able to explore the open spaces within the new community, taking part in a nature trail and were given an important life lesson.

Chris Edge, operations director at the Edenstone Group, said: “Children have a real fascination with building and construction, and we wanted to encourage that interest in a safe and controlled manner by giving them a special tour of St Mary’s Garden Village. We kitted them out with high-vis vests and explained the importance of wearing personal protective equipment. Assistant site manager Chris Murray gave a health and safety talk, helping them understand that while a live building site may look fun it’s not somewhere they should be playing.”

Carpenter Jack Peglar made a mud kitchen for the children, which they used during the visit and has since been delivered to the school, which is less than two miles from the development.

Helen Haskell, teacher at St Joseph’s RC Primary School, said: “It was lovely for the children to be able to see the new community taking shape at St Mary’s Garden Village. We’re grateful to the Edenstone Group for taking the time to show them round, teaching them about health and safety and helping them identify some of the wildlife in the area. The visit and the gift of the mud kitchen will really help inspire their imaginations and encourage their creative writing skills.”

St Mary’s Garden Village is being developed by the Edenstone Group’s two hosuig brands – Edenstone Homes and Bluebell Homes. The new community will eventually feature 290 homes, plus a range of facilities including feature allotments, walking and fitness trails with equipment, and a gym with a community hub.