Aim

We’re transforming a flooded outdoor area into a year-round, solar-powered, climate education hub for pupils, families, and the community.

Children's view of what this project will mean to them.

Who are we, and what is our project about?
We are The Friends Of Coltishall Charity and Coltishall Primary School, a vibrant, community-focused school passionate about preparing children for a greener, more resilient future.

Our Happiness Hive, built in 2024, has already transformed playtimes by providing a calm, inclusive space loved by pupils and families alike.  We want the Hive to be used by the Community and Friends Of Coltishall Charity even more than it is now. Children use it for quiet activities, reading, friendships, emotional wellbeing and learning about climate change practically. The Hive has brought new life and positivity to our playground – but climate change now threatens access to the outdoor areas around it.

Each year, heavy rainfall and flooding make our grounds around the Hive unusable for up to six months. Without action, the space around the Hive risks being cut off for longer, impacting play, learning, and community activities.

Why are we crowdfunding?
We want to build on the buzz and success of the Happiness Hive and transform the area into a thriving, resilient, zero-carbon outdoor learning hub.

This funding will help us:

• Install sustainable drainage and a flood-resistant geogrid and shingle surface to protect against worsening weather and reclaim year-round use.

• Fit solar panels onto the Happiness Hive to provide renewable heating and lighting, showcasing clean energy in action.

• Create wildflower meadows, edible gardens, and native tree planting to boost biodiversity, capture carbon, and strengthen local ecosystems.

• Set up composting systems to reduce emissions and teach about sustainable living.

• Embed climate education through outdoor lessons, biodiversity monitoring, and solar energy tracking, empowering pupils and families to act for a greener future.

• Repurpose our condemned bandstand and reuse the wood to make benches and raised beds

Children will not only continue to enjoy a calm, vibrant space — they will become future climate leaders, learning practical ways to care for their world.  

Watch their  video to hear their plans: https://youtu.be/mnE836LocBY

How we’ll spend the money raised:

• Solar panels & installation: £6,500

• Geogrid & shingle flood-resilient surface: £5,600

• Raised beds, trees, wildflowers & planting: £2,800

• Repurposing a condemned bandstand for seating, signage, bug hotels: £1,500

• Composting system & education signage: £900

• Labour & professional installation: £5,500

How you can help:

• Make a donation – every pledge brings us closer!

• Spread the word – share our project with friends and family.

• Volunteer – help us with planting days, workshops, and community events!

This project successfully funded on 3rd July 2025