The pupils of Clanfield Community Pre-school can look forward to an autumn spent growing their own seasonal produce thanks to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
The distribution network operator stepped in to assist after spotting an appeal by the nursery on a social media site, looking for help to improve the nursery's garden and enable its young attendees to plant and grow their own fruit and vegetables.
Situated in the grounds of Petersgate Infant School, the nursery relies on fundraising and volunteering, so its committee was delighted to welcome a six-strong team from SSEN along to help them build new fences and nine raised beds, set at the perfect height for the young pupils to plant and tend.
Led by SSEN's Customer Relationship Manager, Sarah Vincent, the team used their Be the Difference days that allow them to take a day away from their company roles to help with local good causes and charities.
Sarah said: "When I saw the nursery's plea on social media, I knew straight away that we had the perfect team of colleagues who live locally and would all be happy to help."
"The fencing and the building of the beds required quite a bit of manual labour and some specialist equipment that would have been difficult for the nursery committee to source. While we were there, we learned that the vegetables grown by the nursery will be used in pupils' meals and, in the future, they hope to be able to sell any excess produce to help raise further funds for the pre-school."
"We're so happy that we've been able to assist with the gardens and help set a new generation on the path to healthy and sustainable eating."
Chairperson for Clanfield Community Pre-school, Kirstie Pearson added: "We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the staff at SSEN."
"With just two weeks to go until the Pre-school reopened after the summer holidays they have really saved the day for us. We can't wait to see all the children enjoying the new outside space and learning to grow their own produce."
"Hopefully we will inspire a new generation of gardeners."
As part of SSEN's 'Be the Difference' programme, every SSEN employee is encouraged to take a day away from their usual job and volunteer to help local charities and community projects of their choice. Since the launch of the volunteering programme, it has helped over 2,500 projects, with SSEN employees dedicating their time to projects that matter in their local communities.