Cardiff’s Military Preparation College will be the second group to formally join the ‘Adopt Bute Park’ programme later this week (Thursday November 25)
The Cardiff Council initiative is a community partnership which allows schools and community groups to “adopt” Bute Park as part of the Bute Park Restoration Project.
Students from the Military Preparation College have been regular partners of the Bute Park Restoration Project over the last 12 months, undertaking a variety of activities such as clearing weeds, litter picking, trimming wooded areas and other general maintenance tasks.
The college has been established in Cardiff for 10 years, during which time it has prepared thousands of students for enlistment into the Armed Forces. The college firmly believes that all its students should be aware of issues concerning Education for Sustainability, Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC).
As part of this, the students regularly visit Bute Park to assist in conservation work and learn about the heritage of their local environment. The work which they complete is used as evidence towards their Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) Bronze award.
By adopting Bute Park, the Military Preparation College will work closely with the local authority to maximise learning opportunities in their local green space and help to take care of it for the future.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “I am delighted that the relationship that has built up over the last 12 months and all the hard work of the college is now being formally acknowledged.
“I hope this partnership continues long into the future as it contributes not only to the college students’ formal educational programme but all the students’ hard work makes Bute Park a more attractive and welcoming place for visitors.”
Area Manager Steve Thorne from the Military College said: “The students have really enjoyed their work in the park, particularly in the areas of conservation and woodland management. I’m sure they will develop a real sense of ownership and pride in this park through their continued involvement. I hope in the future they will visit with their own children and still see the benefits of their work.”
The college students will assist in planting daffodil bulbs in the area behind the castle and following this the college will be presented with a certificate to formally commemorate the occasion.
A programme of educational activities is being developed in the park as part of the Bute Park Restoration Project, a £5.6m venture funded by Cardiff Council with a grant of £3.1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
In addition to the conservation of park heritage features, such an increase in floral provision is hoped to increase the one million visits the park already receives each year.
The first to join the ‘Adopt Bute Park’ programme was St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Canton which has an active Eco club and has achieved a number of accolades for its work in areas of sustainability and the environment.
