Wildlife garden gets Roman theme

Contractors are due to complete landscaping works at the Lock Lane site by the end of the week.

Work includes an outdoor classroom in the style of an amphitheatre, new footpaths and plants to attract birds and insects.

Next month Roman-themed sculptures will be installed by artists Handspring Designs.

The project, on land at the end of rugby fields and next to the River Aire, has been made possible with a 22,800 grant from Wren, which awards grants to community projects from money donated by Waste Recycling Group.

Liz Watson, who is senior landscape architect at Groundwork Wakefield, said: "The designs for the artwork are wonderful, celebrating the Roman heritage of Castleford."

Volunteers will look after the wildlife garden when work is complete.

Local resident Wendy Rayner said: "We've had a big interest from local schools to come and use the outdoor classroom. Nest boxes have been put up on trees and we plan to create feeding stations to feed the birds through the winter."