PRIMARY school pupils are helping create a special garden inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s design ‘Back to Nature’ at the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show.

Lydbrook Primary School is creating a wellbeing garden where the children can relax and enjoy outdoor learning.

Linked to mental health charity Mind’s ‘The Five Ways To Wellbeing’, every child kick-started the project by coming up with their own garden design.

Royal Horticultural Society medallist and local garden designer Peter Dowle, of Howle Hill Nursery near Walford, studied their suggestions and created one final design incorporating many of their ideas, which is now on display in the main school.

Parents and children have been busy clearing the site, while letters, written by pupils in Jays Class, have been sent to local businesses asking for their support – and there have already been some enthusiastic responses. 

The garden, which should be finished by next March or April, will include reading and art tables for creative activities, timber benches and beanbag seats for classes outdoors, a large pond with stepping stones and a shallow, cobble beach to attract wildlife.

There will also be raised beds for growing herbs and vegetables, an edible hedge of cherry, plum, hazel, crabapple, blackberry and wild pear, and an area with fruit trees, wild flowers and spring bulbs.

Class teacher and wellbeing lead Sophie Sprawson said: “All the children are very enthusiastic, and we have our own wellbeing ambassadors who will be helping to lead the project. 

“There are all sorts of ways we can use the new facilities.

“One idea, for instance, is for the children to cook for their parents using the fruit and veg they have produced.”

The school would like to hear from local businesses or individuals interested in supporting the project.

“It’s not just something great for the school, but something that can be shared by the whole community,” said Sophie.

“We’re hoping to have a grand opening in late spring or early summer which will include companies that have supported us, along with the children and their families and local residents.”

Just two weeks ago, Lydbrook Primary featured in the BBC’s Countryfile programme as the lead school in the Forester’s Forest initiative.

The school has rewritten its curriculum to embrace its local heritage and the teachers will use their experiences to inspire other schools, creating further resources for all to share on an education ‘hub’.