Volunteers from DHL transform garden at Co-op Academy Friarswood

On 29 and 31 May, volunteers from delivery company, DHL, transformed Co-op Academy Friarswood’s environmental garden. Nestled in the centre of the primary school, the quad, previously overgrown with trees, has now been renovated to its former glory.

Over time, the primary’s garden took on a life of its own with overgrown shrubs, weeds and sapling fruit trees - all struggling to thrive.

Matt Linley-Simon, the Academy Community Pioneer at the school, partnered with DHL to dig, weed, mow, strip, tidy and sweep the area back to life.

DHL volunteer, Sophie-Anne, said of the project:

“It has been a real pleasure and privilege to be able to volunteer to help refresh the school's open space area, and breathe fresh life back into it for the children and adults to enjoy.

“The group of volunteers from Nisa DHL Stoke thoroughly enjoyed rolling up our sleeves and being able to support and make a difference. Volunteering on both days really gave me the opportunity to see the transformation from start to finish.”

Matt Linley-Simon, Academy Community Pioneer for the school, said:

“It’s wonderful to see local companies making such a beneficial difference to their community. Their work has brightened the world of 200 children, who every day have the opportunity to look out on a green growing space. Our Eco Warriors at school will now be able to maintain the area, with such a clean, fresh start.”

Lindsey Wilmer, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Friarswood, said:

“A huge thank you to DHL for their hard work. The area looks amazing. The children have been talking about the area non-stop and many have been in to have a look around and of course to check the fish!”