SCIENCE technicians at Durham Johnston have transformed an outdoor area in the school grounds into a resource for science teaching and learning.

Over the past two years, Joyce Robson and Kay Argument have developed the pond to attract and sustain a wider variety of wildlife, installed a duck house, improved wheelchair access, installed new seating and fashioned a willow tunnel.

The group of students from years, 9, 10 and 11 who attend the school's Environment Club each week after school are looking forward to the spring so that they can spend more time outside.

During the winter months they have been working on building bird boxes, and making preparations for planting in the spring.

Among the club’s planned projects are to grow plants for use in science practical lessons and establish an insect hotel.

Students are supported by Head of Year 9, science department staff and ex parent governor Brian Le Fevre.

The club has recently attracted £250 of funding from local councillor and school governor, Nigel Martin.

Coun Martin said, "I am delighted to be supporting the Durham Johnston Environment Club with a grant. In addition to enhancing the surroundings of the school, the club is providing great opportunities for the students to learn about sustainability and wildlife in practical ways that will help them in their future lives."