PUPILS at a North Herefordshire primary school have been busy making a natural haven for local wildlife in their new pond and conservation area.

The new addition at Almeley Primary School was created with the help of funding from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust.

Having established itself as a Forest School in 2013, the school was keen to offer the children more opportunities for environmental study within their grounds.

It applied for funding from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust and received £6,630 which has been used to install a pond, dipping deck and study shelter, along with habitat boxes to encourage a diversity of creatures to visit.

Jayne Irwin from the school said: "The new pond has been a valuable addition to the school and the surrounding village. "Importantly, it will help to improve the wellbeing of the children and help them develop a lifelong interest and understanding of their natural environment, ensuring a legacy of past students that is knowledgeable about the relationship between flora and fauna and values our natural ecosystem."

The project has been supported by pupils, parents, teachers and the local community alike.

Local environmental design consultant, Richard Fishbourne, has been leading the project forward whilst a local resident Mrs Russell of Batch Cottage who opens her gardens to the public, has advised the school on native flowers and the wildlife they will attract, helping to increase the biodiversity.