12/12/2023: A new generation of gardeners inspired by Serco

Serco, Breckland Council's waste collection partner, recently visited Dereham Church of England Infant and Nursery Academy to help pupils plant bulbs which will now bloom in Dereham's Ellenor Fenn garden in the spring.

Serco's Grounds Maintenance Chargehand Asa Gauntlett showed his daughter Eden, along with three other classes from the Academy, how to plant the bulbs correctly and showed how the plants will look like when they are fully grown. Asa will be going back next year to check on their progress and do some more planting with Academy.

Asa said "I would like to thank Brian Norton and Josh Maxwell from my team for helping with the event and Mrs Cole, acting Headteacher, for letting us spend time at the Academy. The children seemed to really enjoy the experience and were pleased with the stickers we made for them. In fact, we all had such a great time when we got back to the depot we agreed that we would like to offer other schools the chance to work with us on similar projects next year."

Cllr Helen Crane, Executive Member for Waste commented "I would like to applaud Serco's collaboration with Dereham Church of England Infant and Nursery Academy. This is a fantastic project which aims to help educate children about growing plants and preserving Ellenor Fenn's beauty. It's innovative schemes like this which encourages civic pride and encourages young people to care for their local environment."

If any schools within the Breckland district are interested in working with Asa and the team on planting projects in 2024 please email norfolkwaste@serco.com for further information on how to get involved.