Since July last year, members of staff from RS Components have been regularly getting their hands dirty digging, weeding, removing stones and clearing out a pond in the area which will be divided into individual plots for the youngsters to grow veget
ables and flowers.
The garden will also be used by schools wanting to enhance pupils' understanding of nature and the environment through outdoor activities.
Internal communications advisor at RS Components, Barbara Algeo, said: "As one of the largest employers in the Corby area, we are keen to give something back to the local community.
"Our work with the Forestry Commission represents a fantastic opportunity to do this and we are really pleased with how it is going.
"A number of departments have already been involved, and more people are expressing an interest now that the project has gained momentum.
"I would highly recommend this kind of voluntary activity to other companies.
"Our work has brought together people from all areas of the business, enabling them to get to know each other and act as an extremely effective team-building exercise.
"As well as benefiting from some hearty exercise in the great outdoors, our volunteers feel hugely satisfied knowing that their efforts will make such a big difference to local children with learning difficulties."
To boost the progress of the Fineshade Wood schools project, RS Components invested in gardening equipment for the site and visited every week between July and October.
During the winter gardening has slowed down but the company is committed to digging and weeding on a regular basis.
Visitor and communities services manager at Top Lodge, Sarah Walker, said: 'The volunteers' efforts are paying off now as the garden area is really starting to take shape.
"It looks so much better than it did before RS Components began working with us. We're tremendously grateful for all the hard work everyone has been putting into the project.
"There are various Forestry Commission projects which would benefit from the support of volunteers, so if you or your company is interested in volunteering in this way, please get in touch by calling 01780 444920."
