Leeds schoolchildren get close to nature thanks to leading housebuilder

Pupils at a Leeds primary school are looking forward to getting close to nature after being presented with the latest homes for their friends-who-fly by housebuilder Redrow.

They may not have the latest appliances or a beautiful bathroom, but the collection of bat and bird boxes will be ideal for Morley Newlands Academy in Wide Lane, Morley, to create cosy havens and enhance their latest science project.

Year 4 teacher and PE co-ordinator at the school, Jennie McPhee, says: “For a lot of our year groups at the moment their latest science project is living things and their habitats, looking at animals and where they live.

“We plan to use the bird and bat boxes as a link to this, installing them in school grounds to see if anything happens.”

Jennie adds: “One of the classrooms looks out onto the outdoor area we have and we are actually thinking of setting up CCTV to monitor activity around the bird and bat boxes, asking why it would be a good place to live, and what we could do to attract wildlife to them. We have even contemplated building our own.

“The boxes are easy for the children to manage and something different, and it will be exciting to see if anything comes to them. That would be a dream if that happened, it’s the kind of thing children never forget.

“We have done similar science experiments, collecting rainwater to see how much it’s rained and the pupils get so excited doing that. We have looked at the life cycles of animals and it fits in brilliantly with that, so thank you Redrow.”

The boxes were presented to the school by Sam Brackenbury, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (Yorkshire), who have recently launched new homes for sale at Weavers’ Chase nearby.

Sam said: “It is lovely to see children getting outside and learning in such a wonderful way. To be able to help them learn more about the natural world around them, and add an element of excitement to their education, is something Redrow is keen to do.”

Redrow has donated bird and bat boxes to a number of primary schools across Yorkshire.

Of course, some of the wildlife might get waylaid if it flies over Weavers’ Chase first, and is tempted to take a look there too …

The exclusive development of three and four-bedroom homes from Redrow’s Arts & Crafts-inspired Heritage Collection lies just six miles south west of Leeds and all the city has to offer, as well as being close to excellent schools and a host of family-friendly amenities.

Homes are available from £237,950, including the three-bedroom Ludlow, which offers elegance and charm in a simple but stunningly designed property. The spacious and airy home has a kitchen and dining area, plus a separate lounge, together with a laundry room and downstairs cloakroom.

Upstairs are three good sized bedrooms, the master benefiting from a stylish ensuite, and a family bathroom.

Weavers’ Chase is just a few minutes’ walk away from Morley Station, with regular trains to the city centre taking only 12 minutes. Trains also connect to Manchester, Huddersfield and London, via Leeds. For motorists the M62 and M1 are conveniently close with the M621 providing a swift and direct route into the heart of Leeds.

For more information, visit the show home and sales office in Albert Road, Leeds, usually open Thursday to Monday inclusive between 10am and 5.30pm. Alternatively, call 0113 223 4337, or log onto www.redrow.co.uk/weaverschase.