A group of willing Central Networks volunteers recently spent a day creating an outdoor education area at Kegworth Primary School.

The 11-strong team from Central Networks' offices in Castle Donington cleared an unused orchard area at the rear of the school and cut back trees and bushes to make a safe environment for the children.

The volunteers also cleared the overgrown courtyard garden situated in the heart of the school and planted new bushes and a pear tree to create an educational area. In addition they tidied a planter in the infant playground, re-planting it with heathers and winter-flowering plants to cheer up the area during winter. 

Sarah Thorpe, Project Leader for the Central Networks team, said: "The team all worked flat-out and very efficiently, and I think everyone enjoyed the day.  The feedback from the school has been really great as the children now have more places to play and learn safely."

Louise Norris, Headteacher at Kegworth Primary School, said: "We're so grateful to the team from Central Networks for their hard work in helping us to develop our learning environment.

"The outdoor learning area and the nature garden are fantastic places for the children to learn outside their normal classroom. All ages enjoy opportunities to explore and discover in the two areas and the school appreciates the work of the team in helping us to renew these spaces."

E.ON finds volunteering opportunities for employees across the UK, working with schools, older people and other vulnerable groups as part of its wider community relations programme. In 2010, E.ON employees spent almost 7,000 hours volunteering in their local communities.