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Pannal pupils get new outdoor learning space

The new space, which will be used by Pannal pupils for outdoor learning.

Pannal Primary School has a new outdoor learning space after volunteers transformed part of its grounds in just one day.

Teams from Yorkshire Water and its contract partner Mott MacDonald Bentley cleared overgrown vegetation, laid bark flooring and built raised beds and wooden benches.

They also lined and filled existing planters, creating an area where children can grow plants and take part in outdoor lessons.

The work was carried out as part of Yorkshire Water’s wider £15m sewer network upgrade in and around Pannal.

Amanda Wolfram, headteacher at Pannal Primary School, said:

“Our sincere thanks to the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to creating these wonderful planters and benches for our children.

"We are so grateful for their hard work and support. The children will benefit from, and enjoy them, for many years to come.”

Materials were donated by supply chain partners Jewson and AWS Nationwide.

Georgina Bell, operations administrator at Mott MacDonald Bentley, said:

“We were really pleased to play a part in transforming this outdoor space.

"Through the fantastic efforts of our volunteers and the generous donations from our supply chain partners, Jewson and AWS Nationwide, we were able to turn the children's ideas into reality.

"Seeing their vision come to life and creating a space they can be proud of has been a truly rewarding experience.”

The school sits next to Pannal Green, where a wastewater storage tank is being installed as part of the upgrade.

The project began in April and aims to increase the network’s capacity to support new housing developments on the outskirts of Harrogate.

Pamela Ajayi, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

“While we’re working to make our network resilient for future growth, it is brilliant to be able to work with the local community on projects that have an equally long-term impact.

"Hopefully the students get a lot of use out of the new outdoor space and have plenty of fun learning and growing.”

The wider scheme includes new wastewater pumping stations on Spring Lane and at Harlow Carr Gardens, alongside 5km of new sewer.

Two storage tanks on Fulwith Mill Lane and Pannal Green will hold a combined two million litres of wastewater and rainwater.

A five-day road closure on Yew Tree Lane was scheduled to begin on Monday (5th October) to allow the final section of the new wastewater pipeline to be installed. Local residents have been informed.

The pipeline will connect the network to the new Spring Lane pumping station, which is due to be completed in February 2027.

Yorkshire Water is also carrying out work at Harrogate North wastewater treatment works to remove phosphorus and improve the health of the River Nidd.

Meanwhile, clean water pipes are being replaced around Crescent Road to reduce the risk of bursts, leaks and supply interruptions.

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