Dickleburgh C of E Primary Academy opens peace garden

A primary school in Dickleburgh has opened its own peace garden to offer pupils a quiet area and improve their wellbeing.

Last week, Dickleburgh C of E Primary Academy pupils and staff celebrated the opening of a sensory garden for children to use.

Funded by donations from parents, the Dickleburgh Ladies Oxlip Group and the Otters Trust, the garden was started in October and completed in record time.

Headteacher Moira Croskell said: “We had this idea because we did not have a quiet area for our children to use for reflection as individuals, with friends or as a class.

“We wanted it also to reflect our school values, chosen by the pupils.

“In discussion with my staff and Year 6 assembly ambassadors, we decided on a sensory garden, which we felt would also benefit our most vulnerable ASD [autism spectrum disorder] pupils.”

Designed by landscape gardener Tim Page, it is equipped with a water feature, lots of plants and a bird feeder.

“Once the weather improves, we believe this will be a valuable resource which will help to add to all pupils’ wellbeing and mindfulness,” said Mrs Croskell.

Parents, governors, parish councillors and members of the Dickleburgh Royal British Legion took part in the official opening and blessing of the new garden.

The Rev Nigel Tuffnell performed the blessing and read St Francis of Assisi’s prayer Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.