An Exeter preschool has had its outdoor area repaired and improved with the help of volunteers from the local Mears branch.
St David’s Hill Playgroup, a small charitable preschool, was badly affected by storm damage earlier this year. The fence was destroyed, and several outdoor features, including raised wooden planters, were no longer usable due to rot.
The playgroup operates on limited funding and relies on fundraising for anything beyond essential running costs. Support from a Mears Foundation Green Spaces grant allowed the Exeter team to step in and carry out the repair work.
The team installed new fencing and a secure entrance gate to make the area safer. They also removed the damaged planters and replaced them with recycled tyre planters, which were painted in bright colours. A herb garden and bug hotel were added, and the whole area was repainted and tidied.
To help support outdoor learning and local biodiversity, the team also planted bee- and butterfly-friendly flowers and herbs.
Brenda, from the playgroup, said:
The children now have their own mini watering cans and love looking after the plants and flowers. It’s made a real difference to their play and learning outside.
Jude Bolton, Branch Manager at Mears Exeter, said:
This project shows how we can use our resources to support the local community. I’m proud of the team for the work they put in.
