Over the Easter holidays we’re hoping to improve the soil condition in the borders around the ELC so that we can start planting up for the summer. We have started to grow seedlings in the building, where they can be protected from the cold weather, before planting out. These include pumpkins, onions, basil and potatoes. We hope to have a wildlife friendly garden and vegetable patch to be used as an educational tool during the term and as a wildlife haven in the holidays.

The newly installed bird feeders are very popular - we’ve already observed 14 different species feeding in the vicinity, including a couple of nuthatches, bull finches and greenfinches. By the end of the Easter holidays we should have installed a number of new web cameras attached to the feeding area, two new bird boxes and a tawny owl box for the woodland.    

Nuthatch feeding in the garden

The willow fence was completed at the end of March and woven in a day. The living willow fence has provided a boundary to the consecrated ground of the Nun’s graveyard, an educational tool and a perch for the garden birds. Willow is able to grow a few metres each year and with the cuttings we will be able to teach traditional crafts such as basket weaving, den building and wreath making for example.

Notre News Article - Spring 2010

Environmental Learning Centre Staff and University of Sheffield Volunteers Clear Woodland

The newly completed Environmental Learning Centre (ELC) is due to be up and running after Easter. The build which began in May 2009 was designed to be as sustainable as possible; using locally sourced timber, sheep’s wool insulation and the installation of solar panels, to name a few. The aim of the centre is to provide a hub for environmental education, encouraging more outdoor based and technology focused learning.

Sheffield University Volunteers with ELC staff

On Friday 5^th March a group of Sheffield University Volunteers gave their time to the ELC to lend a hand tidying up the woodland. Miss Boon and Miss Worthington, the newly employed Coordinators for Environmental Learning, accompanied the volunteers. The day was spent clearing green waste and trip hazards from footpaths, removing debris from the stream and litter picking. It was impressive how much the volunteers achieved during the day, collecting over five bags of rubbish and trolley loads of rubble. They even managed to assemble a huge pile of green waste (that we are hoping to chip for our footpaths) which had been deposited in the woodland. Overall it was a very successful day and we are very grateful for their help.

Future projects at the ELC include the creation of a wildlife friendly garden to attract greater diversity onsite and use as an educational tool. Planting will be aimed at encouraging species such as the local badgers and bats to feed in the garden by providing nectar-rich species and fruiting plants. Installation of web cameras on site will help to identify bird species that frequent the feeders.

Open to both Notre Dame High School and partner schools, students will be encouraged to get their hands dirty when visiting the centre and exploring its mini-ecosystem. There will be a Grand Opening within the next few months...we will keep you posted.