A bird hide, a bug hotel and a walkway into a wild meadow are part of the new-look grounds at a Bentworth school.

St Mary’s Bentworth CE Primary School received £60,000 from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) to help pay for plans to transform parts of its grounds and give pupils new learning opportunities.

The money has come from the Community Infrastructure Levy, a pot of funding built up from local house-builders to support improvements to infrastructure in the area.

The scheme included a polytunnel to allow year-round planting, raised beds for each class to grow their own flowers, a bird hide which doubles as a quiet place for pupils to learn and an insect shelter called ‘Bugingham Pallets’.

The plans were detailed in a Landscape Strategy, compiled by the children and staff, that focused on developing a better understanding of the environment.

Headteacher Jo Ayres said: “Our Landscape Strategy had all our ideas - the children planned out what they wanted for themselves, but also as eco-warriors, and this grant made it happen.

“Making their hopes a reality is just so special and shows them that they matter and that we do care about our environment and being stewards for our world. Special thanks to the EHDC officers who have given us support the whole way. This will be enjoyed for years to come!"

Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC portfolio holder for regulation & enforcement, commented: “This is a marvellous scheme which has turned the wishes of the pupils into something really imaginative, educational and fun.

“The Community Infrastructure Levy is an important fund that grows as homes are delivered in an area. It can be used to fund all kinds of infrastructure projects and local organisations such as charities, community groups and parish councils are encouraged to apply to help deliver their schemes.”