We’ve done it! (From York Press)

St Nicholas Fields nature reserve transformation complete

9:25am Friday 29th October 2010 in Eco info By Nicola Fifield, Senior reporter

A TASTE of the boardroom was brought to a York nature reserve, as two teams took part in an Apprentice-style challenge.

Team Synergy was given the task of transforming a children’s play area in St Nicholas Fields, while Team Apollo was challenged with creating an orchard.

The event was organised by the charity York Cares as part of a three-day initiative bringing the whole community together to transform the 24-acre nature reserve in Tang Hall.

The two teams of volunteers were kept in line by York’s very own Nick Hewer and Karren Brady, while Jon Whitaker, director of business architecture at Aviva, took the role of Lord Alan Sugar.

Judith Williamson, a consultant from the firm Rambutan, who acted as Karren, said: “It has been absolutely fabulous and it’s been great to see all the volunteers having so much fun.

“We started by doing some team-building as most of the volunteers didn’t know each other, and then each of the teams was given a £650 budget to plan their project. They had to work out how they were going to do it and which experts they were going to use, and then had to go out to buy everything before starting the work. It’s been brilliant.”

One of the participants was Francesca Dawson, 16, of The Mount School, who said: “It’s been really, really good and I’ve learned lots of new skills.”

Isabelle Yardley, 20, a student at the University of York, said: “It’s been a really fun day. It’s been great to do something positive for the community and learn some DIY skills at the same time.”

Sarah Cook, of York Cares, said: “Everybody has put their heart and soul into it and managed to achieve a huge transformation.

“I hope the volunteers are as pleased with their work as we are. They have turned out whatever the weather and we’d like to say a big thank-you to them.

“Tang Hall is one of the more deprived areas in York, so it's great that the community has this resource on its doorstep.

“Our aim was to enhance St Nicholas Fields and make it more accessible for future generations to enjoy.”

Schoolchildren and university students took part in the challenge, as well as employees from local businesses, who also helped out by donating equipment and materials.

*See also the rambutan.biz/blog/