A NEW wildlife garden has opened at a Walthamstow school.

The garden, which replaces the disused pond at St Mary’s C of E School in The Drive, features a herb garden, composting areas, flower beds, a rockery and willow screening and a “bug hotel”, or special habitat for insects.

Headteacher Beverley Hall said: “The pond hadn’t been used by the children for a number of years. It was just a stagnant piece of water.

“We made the decision to turn it into a wildlife garden - we’ve got a concrete playground and we don’t have any shade or green areas.”

A special launch event was held on on April 21 in which children dressed up as insects to celebrate the grand opening of the “bug hotel”.

With the help of contractors Apollo Group Property, a team of parents and staff worked to build the structure over the Easter holidays and it’s set to become home to thousands of creepy crawlies.

Organiser and parent Rachel Thompson added: “This wildlife garden is a wonderful way for the children to experience nature at first hand and it also benefits the environment. We’ve included plants that will encourage insects which will, in turn attract birds.

“The Bug Hotel is really a more sophisticated log-pile to provide food and shelter for creatures such as woodlice, centipedes and slugs. These are all vital to a balanced eco-system.”

A total of £800 was raised for plants after five parents took part in a sponsored half-marathon and DIY chain Homebase helped with a 20 per cent discount.

The garden is aimed at helping children in lessons from science to art, as well as personal, social and health education (PSHE).