A NEW sensory garden at Wootton Community Primary School was a true community project.

Local businesses, supporters and parents who worked or donated their time and materials attended the official opening recently.

Isle of Wight High Sheriff Gioia Minghella-Giddens, school governors, headteacher Jane Wilford and some of the children cut the ribbon.

The project was co-ordinated by school governor Mark McCarthy, and funded by the Tesco Bags of Help awards scheme, in cooperation with Groundwork South community enabler Elizabeth Hodgson.

It allowed an unused grass area to be turned into a fantastic outside learning environment that can be used throughout the year.

Garden designer John Grimes included accessible pathways, raised beds for pupils to plant and watch produce grow, a wild meadow field, a willow arch and a circular decked area for quiet reflection or a space to perform a play.

Artwork from Ryde Academy also added to the seaside feel, complementing the beach area consisting of a stone beach with washed up boat.

Mrs Wilford said: "A great deal of hard work has gone into producing this amazing new teaching environment from which the pupils and staff can fully engage with and develop, giving a lasting resource for the school and local community.

"The fantastic support and amazing generosity that has been shown by local businesses and local groups goes to show how valued learning experiences that the garden now gives, are in the education of our young children."

Guests were given a tour of the garden by the pupils that have helped plant it.

Children from Year 1 buried a time capsule containing information and items that they have enjoyed working on in their class this year.

Island Roads helped the project in its early stages by laying a path through the garden.

To apply to the Tesco Bags of Help awards scheme, contact elizabeth.hodgson@groundwork.org.uk