STOGUMBER Primary School is celebrating after winning a £400 Wessex Watermark Award which they will invest in their new wildlife pond.

Sue Scott, from Wessex Water, visited the school to meet the pupils who have been involved with ‘A Pond for Life’.

The school lacked a safe area for a wildlife pond in its own grounds and so, when the new pond’s big dig in November began on the community field, the cricket club, village church and farming community all volunteered their support.

The pond lining and fence have been installed and now the children and the rest of the village are waiting for the wildlife to discover this new wetland habitat.

Joanne Hobbs, school governor said: “Having this wildlife pond will be a very powerful learning resource as well as a tremendous natural benefit to the area.

“There are all kinds of educational spin-offs, not to mention this recent period when much of the country is under water and water management is uppermost in everyone’s mind.

“Our pond is the perfect pocket- sized environment and the children will learn about wildlife habitats, life cycles and classification.

“We are delighted with our Watermark Award which will buy pond dipping equipment and will also help pay for the pond lining.”

The Watermark Award is now in its 20th year and has supported over 900 environmental initiatives.

Organised by The Conservation Foundation, all projects are judged by a panel chaired by its president- David Bellamy.