BUDDING ecologists and botanists at Marlwood School in Alveston have a valuable new study facility right on their doorsteps thanks to a revamp of the science department pond area.

Students, supported by site staff and parents, have worked hard to demolish the old overgrown brick plinths and create an attractive and educationally valuable new facility complete with greenhouse.

New railway sleepers were used to create raised beds around the edge of the area while funding from the school's parent Teacher Association provided timber for a table and benching and also a large tree fern.

Teacher Sally Steele and pupils from the Years 10 and 11 skills group raised funding from the Big Boost Lottery Fund and also helped with clearing and labouring (shifting a ton of soil) - as well as learning principles of planting.

Science technician Liz Fielding said the school was delighted with the results.

"There's still plenty to do, including building compost and leaf litter bins," she said.

"Amongst other things, the space will be used for pond dipping and growing a number of curriculum based plants.

"We're all very pleased with the transformation. It will look even better as it matures and we're looking forward to making good use of it in the spring and summer."