Blooming marvellous support from Ermine Construction

Waverley Borough Council’s building contractor Ermine Construction has been supporting the local community in Godalming by helping with planting projects at Eashing Cemetery and St Marks and All Saints school.

Ermine Construction is working with the council to build four 1-bedroom apartments on brownfield land in Aarons Hill to help meet social and affordable housing need in the area. The homes, which are partly funded by Homes England, are being fitted with air-source heat pumps and solar (PV) panels to ensure they are net zero in operation, in line with the council’s commitment to tackle climate change.

When Ermine Construction heard that nearby St Marks and All Saints Primary School needed help with some overgrown flower beds, they sent some of their site staff down the road to lend a hand. They were joined by representatives from Waverley Borough Council, environmental action group Roots for the Future and children from the school to give the garden a makeover.

The green fingered group planted ferns, hellebores and other shade-loving plants for under the birch trees, with some sun-loving lavender and salvia for the sunny patches. Children from years 3 and 5 learned about bulbs, and why they grow, before painting ‘fairy doors’ to go under the trees. When the plants bloom in the spring, they will create sensory area for parents and children to enjoy as they drop off and pick up from the nursery.

Caroline Mallett, Headteacher at St Mark and All Saints C of E Primary School and Hedgehogs Nursery said:

“Thanks to the support we have had from Ermine the garden area outside Hedgehogs Nursery is now completely transformed! They worked so hard to clear the site, preserve all the plants that could be reused and prepare the area for the new plants they were putting in and the planting sessions the children in Year 3 and Nursery were going to be doing with Roots for the Future. We are so grateful, both for the time and the financial support they were able to give to our project. We hope they are as pleased with the outcome as we are!”

The gardening didn’t stop there, Ermine staff also helped to dig in the last plants of Eashing Community Garden at the cemetery. They planted sweet box hedging along edge of the pavement and some large osmanthus balls, which are a stunning addition. The creation of the garden, one of many community projects delivered as part of the new developments at Ockford Ridge, has transformed a neglected area of shrubs at the cemetery into a beautifully peaceful area for visitors.

Councillor Janet Crowe, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Housing Delivery said:

"We are incredibly grateful to Ermine Construction for their ongoing support of our community. Their involvement in these local planting projects not only enhances the environment but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for our green spaces. It’s heartwarming to see such positive collaboration between businesses, schools, and residents, all working together for the benefit of Godalming."