An online auction is being held to raise funds for a new permanent outdoor learning space and biodiverse gardens at a Stoke Newington primary school.
Among the lots up for grabs are writing and recording a song with Fyfe Dangerfield and a chance to meet Taskmaster hosts Greg Davies and Alex Home.
Money raised will help Hackney Outdoors CIC rewild the playground at William Patten. There’ll be hedges, habitats, a sensory garden, a willow tent, a mini orchard, a mud play kitchen, a learning shelter, a wildflower border and a pond.
Nina Lovelace, who’s coordinating the project, described it as: “an all-weather outdoor classroom – somewhere for schoolchildren to get involved in developing and managing habitats, gardening for wildlife, herbalism, composting, water recycling and more.”
She added: “We are working to help today and tomorrow’s schoolchildren get closer to nature and be better prepared to be guardians of the environment. We’ll be creating vital new habitats for a range of urban wildlife and creating new spaces the school can open up to the community for nature wellness and experience sessions at the weekends, after school and during the holidays.”
The project will cost an estimated £15,000. It will involve removing AstroTurf and planting.
Parents at the school and local businesses have stepped up to offer some fabulous prizes. Among the lots are a drawing workshop with award-winning ‘Kitchen Disco’ illustrator Al Murphy, an outdoor bushcraft experience for up to 10 children, zoo tickets, a stay in an apartment in the French Alps and tickets to Spirited Away.
The auction will run online throughout March. Organisers would love local people to bid, as well as hear from anyone still willing to donate a prize.
Nina said: “We’re hoping that bidders approach this knowing they’re getting an experience while also giving to a great cause.”
You can find the auction here.
Contact Nina at nina@hackneyoutdoors.co.uk if you have an experience or item to offer.
