Larkman Primary School’s appeal to help make big plans come true

Grand plans to turn a Norwich school field into an haven of learning and fun have been unveiled- along with an appeal for help to make them come true.

Larkman Primary School is embarking on an ambitious effort to transform its largely unused green space into a landscape rich with story telling spots, themed gardens and even a teepee zone.

And with a new woodchip path already installed, and canvas set to create the roof of a new tent area, head teacher Alison Clarke is keen to see the work progress.

'We want to inspire the children to use their imaginations in play, but also for them to take an interest in their natural environment and use it in their games and activities,' she said.

The idea came about following the crushing news that �6m of funds pledged under the previous government for a complete school rebuild had been withdrawn earlier this year, leading to efforts to make the most of what they had.

And with children helping generate ideas and voting on what they wanted to see, hopes are that over the next few years progress will be steady, with a tree nursery, maze and fruit orchard also planned.

However, with nearly �15,000 spent on the project already, and 300 hedging plants ordered for imminent planting, Mrs Clarke emphasised that any donations of trees, logs or even people offering their time to help out would be hugely beneficial. The school is also looking for soil for a mini hill, which would have seating dug in to overlook the football pitch,

'We want the children engaged with this,' she said, ' but one of our hopes is that we can make this a community project too.'

•Contact Larkman Primary School on 01603 454 423

•Big plans at your school? Contact Evening News reporter John Owens on 01603 772439.