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Generous donations create a garden haven for children

While the rest of the world was quiet during February half-term, a green-fingered husband and wife duo transformed the tired Millennium garden at Stalbridge School into a flourishing green space to be placed at the heart of learning.

Landscape gardener Alex Stonebridge, his wife Sian and farmer Dave Gould gave the garden a serious makeover thanks to £400 from Dorset Garden Trust and generous donations from local tradespeople.

A little over 20 years ago, with help from the pupils and a grant from the Dorset Garden Trust, a Millennium garden was created at Stalbridge School, which has been a source of joy for two decades.
Sadly, over time the garden has deteriorated and has been very much in need of an overhaul to revive it into the much-loved, and safe space it once was.

Alex donated his time and expertise, Stalbridge Timber Supplies donated the timber for nine raised planters, Stalbridge Building Supplies donated a mini digger and supplied the soil, stone and play bark and farmer Dave Gould arrived on his big, blue tractor to haul away rubble and level the ground.

Sian said: “The tired rundown area has been transformed into a prosperous growing patch for the children to go out and learn about the importance of our local environment and doing a little bit towards building a greener future.” Pupils will now help plant young trees along the boundary fence, followed by flowers and perhaps veg in the coming months.”

Sian added: “It’s the perfect time of year to start growing and thinking about the jolly times ahead!”

Stalbridge School headteacher Simon Elledge said: “Part of our school’s Christian vision is about discovering the potential of our world and in ourselves. “As we look forward to the children returning to our school, this garden will offer tremendous opportunity to not only plant and nurture but also to use this as a vehicle for learning and we are very grateful to Mr and Mrs Stonebridge as well as the Dorset Trust, who transformed our garden.”

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