EGL2 help to revitalise Carlton Primary School’s Peace Garden

On Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 September, volunteers from the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project and some of its contractors — Balfour Beatty, BAM, Cidon and Prysmian — joined National Grid colleagues to help restore the peace garden at Carlton Primary School. 

The garden, which had been out of use since the COVID-19 pandemic, was in need of significant attention. With the support of the volunteer team, the space is now developing into a safe and welcoming area for pupils to enjoy, with additional works taking place over the coming weeks. 

Over the course of two days, a 24-strong team worked to carry out a series of improvements. This included clearing overgrown vegetation, removing old outdoor furniture and laying new gravel areas to improve access.  

Community Liaison Officer for EGL2, Tom Bamforth, said: 

“It was fantastic to be able to volunteer within our community alongside our contractor partners. EGL2 is committed to supporting community initiatives and we are delighted that we have been able to support the Peace Garden at Carlton Primary School. 

“We are looking forward to returning in the coming weeks to support the Peace Garden through to completion, and to be able to deliver a safe and welcoming space for the pupils to learn, play and develop.” 

Senior Project Manager for BAM at Wren Hall, Andy Taylor, said:  

“Along with staff from EGL2, I joined my colleagues from BAM and other contractors to help clear several tonnes of old vegetation. Many of us working on EGL2 are from the local area, so it’s been especially rewarding to contribute towards a great project within our own community.  

We plan to return in the coming weeks to complete the job and provide the finishing touches. Special thanks to our suppliers and subcontractors for their support, including Burn Fencing for the new picket fencing, Cidon Engineering for staff, and Potter Plant Hire, who will be helping with equipment.” 

Headteacher at Carlton Primary School, Jon Watson, added: 

“We are absolutely delighted with the fantastic work and generous support from the team. The community project they have undertaken is transforming our school’s nature garden from an overgrown, unusable, and unsafe space into a wonderful outdoor area for our pupils to explore, learn, and enjoy. 

As a small village primary school, we have limited funds and resources, and projects of this scale are often beyond our reach. Thanks to the hard work, expertise, and kindness of the team, this transformation has become a reality. We are truly grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it will have on our school community for years to come."

This activity is part of EGL2’s wider commitment to supporting local schools and community initiatives in the areas where we work. Alongside the delivery of nationally significant energy infrastructure, we are providing meaningful support at a local level and leaving a lasting, positive legacy.