An English Oak tree and children’s gardening spade were gifted to Norbury School in Harrow by housebuilder Barratt London, which is responsible for the nearby Eastman Village development on Harrow View.
The oak tree, which was planted alongside a rose bush and memorial stone, during a memorial ceremony at the school, will help encourage mindful outdoor learning, as the children continue to water their new tree and watch it grow.
The memorial planting was part of a community event at the school to celebrate the students coming together after a hard year of home learning and Covid-19 restrictions.
Louise Browning, Head Teacher at Norbury School, said: “The oak tree was presented, as a sign of strength and wisdom, as part of our Memorial Day where a sarsen stone and rose bush were also unveiled to remember those we have loved and lost during the pandemic and serve as a space for the children to reflect.
“The oak tree was blessed by 6 different religious leaders as well as the Mayor of Harrow, highlighting how the whole community has united together.
“All pupils were part of the live-streamed ceremony and came to see the oak tree, stone and rose during their day on Friday.”
Ed McCoy, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt West London, comments: “At Barratt London, we believe it is important to give back to the local community and support people where we can. We hope the children enjoyed planting their tree, and that it can represent the growth of more positive things to come as they watch it flourish in future months and years.”
Eastman Village is part of a new emerging neighbourhood in Harrow on the former industrial Kodak site.
The development will include a network of foot and cycle paths, play and exercise opportunities for all age groups, a sustainable drainage system that provides a habitat for plants and wildlife and flexible open spaces for community events.
In place of redundant industrial buildings, a central park area will feature extensive tree planting to provide sanctuaries for wildlife, tempting nature back into the city and providing green spaces for all to enjoy.
Ed continues: “As the country’s largest housebuilder, we strongly believe in leading the way not just in housebuilding, but in terms of involvement with our local communities. Our Eastman Village development has been specifically designed to encourage wildlife, with over 300 new trees being planted, so we wanted to reflect this in our gifts to Norbury School. It is really important for the children to see the steps that are being taken to protect their future environment, as well as for them to be aware of the changes happening in their local area.”
For further information about Barratt London’s Eastman Village development, please visit the website at www.barrattlondon.com or call 0330 057 6666.
