CAMELSDALE Primary School has officially opened its new memory garden – set in a newly created quiet space in its grounds – a place for children and families to reflect on loved ones they have lost.

It is also a place to admire all the fruit and vegetables the children have grown in their raised garden beds as part of their weekly ‘Grow-it’ lessons.

The new garden is part of the school grounds development plan with its consultants the Haslemere Natural History Society and was installed by Valley Landscapes.

The official opening saw chairman of governors Robert Uffold untie the ribbon and the children present a poem they had written about the new garden.

Headteacher Sarah Palmer said: “It is important for us to talk more openly about loss and bereavement with the children and this garden enables us to do this.

“The children can tie ribbons to remember lost ones. It is also important that we teach children where our food comes from and how to grow things for themselves.

We are very grateful to Lynchmere Parish Council, The Haslemere Challice Community Fund, The Shottermill Memorial Trust and Waitrose for their generous grants in helping to fund the project. It is certainly a special place in our wonderful grounds.”