Community and pupil project leads to school tranquility garden

A pupil-led school project that has seen an outdoor area transformed into a tranquillity garden has been opened.

The wellbeing garden in the grounds of Ickworth Park Primary School, in Horringer, was originally the brainchild of teaching assistant Sarah Gooderham after she benefitted from a similar space at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge.

Sarah explained: “I first became aware of a tranquillity garden, and the importance of a quiet calming space, when I was visiting my daughter, Lucy, in hospital. Pupil wellbeing is a big priority at the school so I suggested the garden might be a place for those pupils needing a bit of time away from the classroom.

“The children were involved with the garden from the very beginning and have really enjoyed playing a big part in the process of turning this rough piece of land into a beautiful space.”

The project was part-funded by the school’s parent teacher association and the Lord Belstead Charitable Trust. It was also supported by Suffolk Timbers, John Doe of Diss, Chedburgh Garden Centre, Ickworth Park Estates, Kentwell Hall, Speedy Hire, Jewsons and Clarkes of Walsham-le-Willows.

Sarah added: “The garden would not have come together without the fantastic support of those who gave up their free time to help us and individuals and local businesses who kindly donated or discounted the materials that we needed. Together we have all created an area that will benefit young people for years to come and we are all really proud of it.”

To view the full story of the tranquillity garden visit https://www.ickworthpark.suffolk.sch.uk/tranquillity-garden/.