Young gardeners from two East Hampshire schools have been dishing the dirt at a village station.

Bentley station is looking blooming wonderful thanks to pupils from Binsted and Bentley Primary School, writes Isabella Bertozzi.

Plug plants and home-grown sunflowers were respectively planted into flower beds on Tuesday, June 9. Some were members of a gardening club led by Binsted Primary School teacher, Jenny Matthews.

The planting was part of a greater project led by Binsted Parish Councillor, Jo Ibbotson, to transform the station into a “welcoming, nature-friendly and culturally rich community hub”.

Residents have donated plants while Haskins Garden Centre have helped out by donating compost and watering cans.

Future projects could see history boards installed in the station and signage erected that directs people to nature sites and attractions in and around the village.

There’s more good news for nature in the area as the Bentley Wildlife Group has raised more than £1,200 to carry out a host of projects around the village.

Their projects include planting saplings at the recreation ground and creating a B-Line pollinator corridor as part of a national scheme.

Rail commuters can help by making a voluntary contribution for coffees and pastries at a pop-up coffee shop at the station from 6.30am to 8.30am on Tuesdays to Thursdays.

Local history enthusiast Bridget Fice is also leading historical tours around the village with help from re-enactors at the drama society.

A music quiz hosted by estate agent Anderson Jones will take place from 7.30pm at The Star Inn on Wednesday, June 24, with teams of six or less invited to take part.

All proceeds from the events will go to the development of the meadow, restoring it into a welcoming green space for people and nature.