School garden blossoms thanks to the Edenstone foundation

A GARDEN in memory of a former pupil has been unveiled at Cwmtawe Community Primary School after the Edenstone Foundation teamed up with the Leon Heart Fund to take on a DIY SOS style project.

Leon’s Garden, named after Leon Montanari, was officially unveiled by rugby stars Justin Tipuric, Dan Baker and Duncan Jones.

A paved area with overgrown planters at the school in Pontardawe has been transformed to provide an accessible garden for learners with additional needs.

The £12,000 project was funded by the Edenstone Foundation, with works carried out by staff from the Edenstone Group, including those from Parc Ceirw Garden Village in Morriston.

Vicky Mitchell, additional learning needs coordinator at Cwmtawe, explained: “The link with the Edenstone foundation came about through our close affiliation with the Leon Heart Fund. Leon was a pupil at Cwmtawe and, after he tragically lost his battle, his mother Julie set up the Leon Heart Fund in his honour. Julie began working as a teaching assistant at the school and set about fundraising to renovate the garden. It was through her amazing work that Edenstone became involved – without them it would’ve taken much longer to start the project and we wouldn’t have been able to complete it to such a high standard.

“The project has made a huge difference to the school. We have 20-30 learners with additional learning needs using the space at break and lunch times. Before they made the best of the space they had available, but it didn't suit the growing need for space to just play. Now it’s a safe haven for those who find the main yard too overwhelming. It is a space where they can be themselves. They can socialise in a safe environment and have the support of staff when needed. The space has given the children the opportunity to eat together, and we hope to use the space to teach in when the weather gets better. The garden also gives learners the opportunity to self-regulate if they are feeling overwhelmed during the day, a few minutes out in the garden can often turn someone's day around.

“The children have been beyond delighted with the new garden. It has been quite the talking point around the whole school. It’s been a joy to watch them explore and enjoy their new space. It’s brought so much joy and will continue to do so for years to come. We are so grateful to all at the Edenstone foundation and everyone who gave their time to help get this project completed. It means so much to all of us at Cwmtawe.”

Bethany, 14, said: “The garden is fun and a place we can socialise and make friends. I really like the sensory path.”

Hari, 13, added: “It's extremely good, I can get to the tables with the new ramp.”

Jack, 13, said: “I think the garden is amazing and much better than the old one.”

The garden makeover project is the latest link between the Edenstone Foundation and the Leon Heart Fund. Edenstone staff previously raised money for the charity by taking part in the Business Fives football tournament and gifted a defibrillator to the organisation.

Chris Edge, from the Edenstone Foundation, said: “The garden makeover project is a fantastic example of the housebuilding and construction community together working together for the greater good. We’re grateful to our staff, suppliers and contractors for supporting the project as without them it wouldn’t have been possible. It’s satisfying to know we’ve created a safe space for young people with additional needs and that Leon’s memory will live on with the garden named in his honour.”

Special thanks go to White Rock Decorators, Wastepro, Ark Fencing & Landscaping as well Edenstone’s own Simon Rolls who hand painted many of the designs.

The Edenstone Foundation receives a share of the proceeds from every home sold by the Edenstone Group – including Bluebell Homes and Edenstone Homes – to support good causes.

For more information about the Foundation see http://edenstonefoundation.com.