STUDENTS and town rangers joined forces to create a new nature garden at Archway School.

The group built a raised flowerbed, laid some wild meadow turf, planted a hedgerow and installed a mature rowan tree.

They also assembled a circular bench, kindly donated by Giffords Circus, around the rowan tree.

The aim of the project was to provide an outdoor space to benefit existing and future students, giving them an attractive space in which to appreciate nature, relax, reflect and socialise with friends.

The project builds on gardening activities already carried out by the year 9, 10 and 11 Work Skills students, including making bug hotels and growing strawberries, tomatoes, lilies, sunflowers, cornflowers and marguerites from seed.

Stroud Town Mayor Kevin Cranston said: "It’s so important to work with young people who will be the next custodians of our planet and to instil in them a love of nature and an understanding of how a garden can benefit the environment and bring calm to a stressful world.

“A big part of the town rangers’ role in Stroud is to engage with the community and encourage people to create environmentally friendly and sustainable areas in the town."

Stroud and Rodborough Educational Trust provided the funds for the project and Stroud Town Council Rangers contributed their time and expertise.