Every Saturday, a group of student volunteers visits Worksop Priory with the aim of restoring its once-thriving butterfly garden. This space is intended to encourage local wildlife – especially insects and butterflies – and to bring new life to the area. The Butterfly Garden Project was initiated by me, in collaboration with Father Matthew, who helped organise it, as a way to give back to the community around us.
Several of our boarders, and even a courageous Year 7 pupil, have joined the effort, taking on the challenge of clearing out the brambles that currently cover most of the garden. With determination, teamwork, and a few inevitable scratches, we expect to finish the clearing within two or three visits, before moving on to planting flowers. Our ultimate goal is to fully restore the garden and create a space that benefits both the environment and the local community.
Personally, I was motivated to get involved because I missed the fulfilment that comes from volunteering and the joy of making a positive impact on others. Many of the pupils taking part have said that working on the garden has been a refreshing and rewarding way to spend their weekends, giving them the chance to learn, bond, and make a difference.
We see this project not only as an act of service, but also as a reflection of the values we uphold as a Christian school – compassion and community engagement.
Above all, the project has reminded us of the power of teamwork, and how much more we can achieve together than alone.
Matilda, Year 13