York Racecourse and Clifton Green Primary School teamed up to create an outdoor science garden last week.
Members of the York Racecourse team offered a helping hand on Friday (31 January), with nearly forty people making the short trip from the Knavesmire to Clifton Green.
Clifton Green Primary School is a local community partner of the racecourse so receives a range of financial and practical support – including this latest labour of love.
To create the science garden, the first task was to clear the ground and repurpose some redundant space before creating the raised beds that are at the heart of the new space.
When planting season comes around, head gardener Zac Rafferty will make a follow-up visit to help the pupils fill the beds with herbs and fruits.
Gavin Pattison and Adrian Kay were also involved.
As a further benefit of being a local community partner, a cheque for £1,000 was presented to head teacher, Nicola Adams.
She said: “It is wonderful to have the support of the racecourse. The outdoor science garden will be a huge asset in developing our pupils.
“We are very grateful for all of today’s volunteers and we look forward to seeing the raised beds thriving.”
Clifton Green Primary School is one of three York Racecourse local community partners, with Brainkind and Blueberry Academy being the other partners for the 2024/25 season.
William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course, said: “The racecourse has been part of the York community since 1731.
“Today is part of our extensive community programme and offers a further chance to give a little back, with everyone involved having gained from it.
“We are hugely proud of our relationship with Clifton Green Primary School as one of our community partners, so we hope the children enjoy playing and learning in the new area.
“We now have an extra reason to look forward to the Spring, as the raised beds will flourish at the time that we welcome back the horses and racegoers.”