The upgraded patio area Sarah has been working on
Sarah has been a team member at WEBS for less than six months, where since starting she has spearheaded a project to transform the outside space. I take a walk with her to learn about what she has been up to.
From a neglected grey area of paving, there are now planters, brand new bench seating, and things to invite nature. Even the bin has had a re-vamp, with a bright matching woodwork to hide the standard bin inside.
“Here at WEBS we care about our local environment, we have created a small patio area for our students to just chill and relax. We have forged a small garden only this year which is already seeing rewards. We have tried to plant vibrant plants and shrubs which attract bees and butterflies, we have added an insect hotel and a nesting box which hopefully this Autumn will be used by sparrows, robins, or finches.”
And it has also been a collaborative effort across the training centre “The patio furniture made by our talented trainers and trainees.” A real community project for all to improve the learner experience when visiting the training centre.
Bench seating made by WEBS learners
Sarah’s plans don’t stop here. “Our square outside is currently under development and will be planted with vibrant and colourful plants, once again for our bees and butterflies.” You can see her enthusiasm as she gestures specifically her vision of the exact placement of where the planters will be. She is keen to add “The planters will also be made on our premises by trainees at all different levels”.
Sarah has also been resourceful in her project so far, taking plants from bargain bins that would otherwise be thrown away and bringing them back to life, and using wildflowers and cuttings from other team members’ garden. This resourcefulness is reflected in other areas at WEBS. “In our woodwork and upholstery areas nothing is wasted – we use all of our leftover wood and fabrics for other projects”
She smiles at her small corner full of plants and potential.
One of the plants saved from the bargain bin – now in bloom
