Our People: Helping To Deliver An Outdoor Learning Space For Children In Ipswich

What started as a search for landscaping materials to help create a new outdoor learning space for children in Ipswich has grown into a community effort, bringing together two local childminders, Brett Aggregates’ Ipswich team and local business Stoke Ash Plant Ltd.

The space – an allotment specially designed by childminders Rachael Willcox and Nicole Bricknell – aims to provide opportunities for young people to explore nature, learn about wildlife, and grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Rachael and Nicole’s allotment dedicated to
helping children learn and explore 

As their plans for the allotment took shape, Rachael and Nicole met with Benn Warren, Operations Manager at Brett Aggregates, to discuss donations of pebbles and pavin g stones to help enhance the allotment with walkways and a border for their pond. 

“We hadn't expected anything beyond that,” explained Rachael, “but during his visit, Benn kindly offered additional and much-needed help, including the redevelopment of our parking area, which has previously suffered during winter months, as well as deliveries of soil for our fruit and vegetable planters, and the installation of new fencing.”

The existing pond marked with granite to
create a safe border for children

Once plans were in place and a date was set, Martin Read – Fitter at Brett Aggregates, and Leigh Mayes – Fitter at Stoke Ash Plant Ltd, came together to lend their time, expertise and equipment to dig out, fill in, and build up the new outdoor area. 

With lovely weather to keep them warm, the pair got stuck in over two days – even bringing along a mini-excavator to help create the new car parking space.

A new parking area at the front of the allotment, with improved drainage and finished with gravel.

Benn Warren commented: “Martin and Leigh have been great throughout this project and were keen to get involved from the start. As well as helping with the planned work, they had heard that some of the older fence panels had been blown down in the wind and were more than happy to fit new, secure posts and rebuild the fencing.”

Martin and Leigh fitted new fencing
and installed a bench made out of reclaimed
wood from Brett Aggregates’ Ipswich site.

Rachael added: “This space is all about giving children opportunities to learn through nature and creating somewhere families can enjoy together

“The support we've received during this transformation from Benn, Martin, Leigh and their teams has been amazing – it will certainly make a difference to our little rascals and the wider community.”

With work complete and the final touches added, the allotment is now ready to welcome the children in Rachael and Nicole’s care.