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
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