10:00am Monday 20th July 2009
SCHOOLchildren helped transform an overgrown stretch of woodland into a scenic path for dog walkers.
Trinity Pathway, which was designed with dog walkers in mind, has been created thanks to the hard work of pupils from Mayflower High School, in Billericay, and the Billericay School.
The meandering path runs through the grounds of Hannakins Farm sport and community centre, off Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, and along the bank of a brook.
Twenty-two pupils cleared overgrown trees and bushes, helped lay hardcore along the path, built two benches and a fence from wood collected from the site, and created a garden area.
They also built an insect kingdom from old logs and tree branches laid next to the path and installed a network of signposts.
Vince Lewington, 52, one of the project organisers, said: “It looks fantastic and the children did us proud. We helped them, but they designed the path and surrounding features. They did all the manual work too.
“You wouldn’t have really known there was a brook there before, but now it’s there for everyone to enjoy.
“We’ve also planted lots of flower bulbs along the brook’s bank, which will bloom over the coming months.”
Sharon Maybey, 55, manager of Hannakins Farm, said: “It will be a lovely route for dogs walkers and anyone else who likes to go for a stroll.
“The children did a brilliant job and the whole area now looks great.”
Billericay MP John Baron was guest of honour at the official opening.
The project was funded by £20,000 from Veola Environ- mental, £10,000 from the Green Prince environmental trust, and financial help from both schools.
This was the first project overseen by community group Hannakins Environmental Landscape Project, in partnership with local charity Trinity, Mind, Body and Soul.
From Saturday to August 27 local people will be invited to help develop the path further. Anyone interested is asked to call Mr Lewington on 01277 657169.
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