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Environmental Awareness in Gornal
Yampy went along yesterday to see the Dudley Environment Zone (D.E.Z.) in action at the Borough's flagship school, Roberts Street
Primary in Gornal.
The school's rebuilding was completed last year at a cost of £4.5 million. As part of a commitment to community-wide learning
a biodiversity centre was incorporated into the concept and architecture of the site, and this came to fruition a year ago
when the D.E.Z. was officially opened by T.V. rural affairs celebrity John Craven.
The zone is managed by Brian Jones and Guy de Sathmary. Brian showed me round the impressive facilities, which include
a resources area, viewing gallery, and extensive grounds with wildlife, organic vegetable patch, sensory garden, willow
sculptures, and much more.
Though almost exclusively based in Gornal, Brian explained that a small piece of
Ecuador's rain forest had also been acquired by the D.E.Z!
A group of enthusiastic youngsters from Pensnett & Brockmoor Playpen were spending the day at the Zone, learning about
birds and other wildlife and carrying out related art activities.
Supervisor Karen told me that it was their second visit
in a year, and that the children had thoroughly enjoyed their day, even when Gornal's answer to an Ecuadorean tropical
thunderstorm hit us during the afternoon.
The DEZ comes under the 'Green Umbrella' of Dudley's Planning and Leisure Department, and its facilities can be enjoyed
by everyone in the borough; schools, play schemes, community and voluntary groups, etc., can arrange a visit by telephoning
Brian or Guy on 01384 814170 or email them at
enzone.pls@mbc.dudley.gov.uk.
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