A PRIMARY school has seen the front of its building transformed from a dilapidated wasteland into a beautiful spiritual garden for the children to study and play in.

With the help of fundraising, donations, discounts and many volunteered hours from parents and teachers, North Nibley Primary School can now enjoy an exquisite and colourful garden and outdoor study area.

As well as a water fountain and pond for visiting frogs, the front of the school also has a ‘bug hotel’ for insects as well as seats and benches for studying, underneath a rainbow-coloured shelter.

The floor and walls have been covered in mosaics with the four classes of earth, air, fire and water represented in the children’s own designs.

The garden was officially opened by Berkeley Castle heir, Charles Berkeley, who told the Gazette he thought the finished product was “fantastic”.

“Children will be able to learn a lot about nature and the environment they live in,” he said.

“It’s a brilliant shop window to show people driving or walking by and that this school is progressing and doing a lot of good things.

“If I was a child I would certainly enjoy learning here.”

Work started on the garden in January and commemorates the Church of England school’s 250th birthday and a plaque honours former headteacher Norman Gardner.

Headteacher Paul Batchelor said they had many people to thank for this gift.

“Spirituality is an area of children’s development which is easily overlooked in the hustle and bustle of today’s busy world,” he said.

“Gardens are just one way of providing children and adults with opportunities for spiritual development.”

Seven-year-old pupil Lily Hopkins said: “I think it is excellent really.

“It is all nice and colourful. Everything is my favourite.”

Classmate Alice Bailey, 7, was also pleased with the outdoor area.

“I like it, it’s really good,” she said.

“I like the pond and the waterfall. I hope we can find some frogs in there soon.”

After the space was officially opened, the pupils were able to enjoy the new leaning area before being treated to ice cream.

Over 20 business helped the school with the garden.

Sunnyside garden Centre – Cam

Foruboys garden Centre – Cam

Matt Burrows Construction Limited

World Of Water – Highfields Garden Centre

Dulux Paint – Let’s Colour Scheme

Marshalls Paving

Abbey Electtronics – North Nibley

Tree Managemetn – Bradley green

Batt Cables – Bristol

Travis Perkins – Yate

Jewsons – Stroud

Reclaim and Reuse – Cirencester

Cullimores – Frampton on Severn

Tomato Jacks - Berkeley

Ultimate Building Plastics – Stonehouse

Safapond

Perspex Distribution

Eliz Miller

Gideon and jack Ayres

Mark parker

George Macklin