CHILDREN are hoping to attract wildlife to a West Oxfordshire school after a pond they designed was opened.

Pupils at Hanborough Manor Primary School in Long Hanborough spent the past year coming up with plans to transform the neglected area.

On Wednesday, freelance zoologist Jules Howard – known to pupils as The Wildlife Man – carried out the work using their designs.

Teacher Ginny Bayliss, who oversaw the project, said: “It was a neglected area that was rarely used but it is now a magnificent wildlife and learning area.

Our top stories

“It will be used to carry out scientific enquiries and will allow the children to develop their investigation skills.”

Pupils were asked what their ideal pond and wildlife area would look like and their ideas were used by the school council to create a plan. They wanted the area to attract wildlife and be used for studying.

They also held fundraising activities, including the Great Hanborough Bake Off, and were given donations by the school PTA and Hanborough Parish Council.

Mr Howard said: “I only accept a few projects like this each year but this one stood out as the kids did all the planning and are super committed.’’

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.