Kids get science lesson at Birling Grange

Pupils from Grange Park School learn of environmental measures being taken at Taylor Wimpey’s development of new homes in West Malling.

Youngsters in Leybourne, Kent, enjoyed a science lesson with a difference thanks to Taylor Wimpey South West Thames.

The leading housebuilder invited pupils from Grange Park School to take a first-hand look at the construction work currently going on at its brand new Birling Grange development of flats and houses for sale in Leybourne, near West Malling, on Thursday 16th July.

The visit was arranged by science teacher Jon Smith, and included a talk by Taylor Wimpey Site Manager Matt Colbran who, in preparation for the summer holidays ahead, explained the dangers of playing on building sites.

He also outlined the special environmental measures involved in the construction of Birling Grange, which is being developed on the site of the former Leybourne Grange manor house.

Twenty-six 11 to 15-year olds from the school for children with special education needs also got to see a scale model of the completed development of new houses for sale in West Malling and were treated to a tour of the properties being built there.

Mr Smith says: “The pupils were wondering about the environmental impact the new development would have, plus the effect on local wildlife, particularly the wild rabbits, and so we thought a trip to Birling Grange would be a good idea.

“They heard about how Taylor Wimpey builds energy efficient homes, and the importance of insulation, solar panels and recycling water. That really got them thinking about how important protecting the environment is.

“But their favourite part was probably seeing the dormouse bridge which will give the mice, water voles and other creatures a safe passage across a new link road.”

Mr Smith added: “The visit was really useful because so many aspects of it linked in with different parts of science we teach at the school.

“It was also useful to be able to put the pupils’ minds at rest over their concerns about the environmental impact of Birling Grange – and they are relieved to hear that only 30 per cent of the site will consist of housing, so the rabbits will still have plenty of room to roam!”

Grange Park is a specialist secondary school for pupils with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated learning difficulties. A small proportion of pupils have Asperger Syndrome. The school, which currently has a split campus, is moving into new purpose-built premises in September.

Birling Grange is being developed on the former Leybourne Grange manor house and hospital and will eventually comprise more than 700 houses and apartments plus community and leisure facilities – all surrounded by some 140 acres of public open space.

The redevelopment of Leybourne Grange forms part of the Hospital Sites Programme run by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the national housing and regeneration agency, to bring 96 former hospital sites back into productive use. As well as working with Taylor Wimpey to develop the site, the HCA is providing funding to ensure new and affordable homes are available for the local community.

Every home being built at Birling Grange is designed to exceed the eco-friendly requirements of new-build properties, with significantly lower carbon emissions than standard homes thanks to a variety of design initiatives including low-energy lighting and energy-efficient appliances.

One in five homes will also include grey water recycling, while selected properties will benefit from solar heating to cut energy bills.

With guidance from ecological experts, special care is being taken to protect the site’s resident wildlife populations, through measures that include the creation of a purpose-built bat house and bat lofts above a number of garages, as well as the dormouse bridge.

The first phase of new homes is now available for sale at Birling Grange, with prices starting at £174,995 for two-bedroom apartments, £239,995 for three-bedroom houses and £379,995 for four-bedroom properties.

The development is located off London Road, Leybourne, and open seven days a week from 10.30am and 5.30pm.