A primary school in Bridgnorth will shortly have a unique garden featuring everything from beach huts to Chelsea-style flower beds, after its head teacher called on the design expertise of a local architect.

Helen Murray of St John’s RC Primary School had originally planned to construct some metal storage sheds on part of a school field, following a grant from e-on Energy – but then decided the money would be better spent on something slightly more ambitious.

She contacted Vic Johnson of Bridgnorth-based architects John Design Partnership, who devised plans for an ‘outdoor classroom’ featuring various ecological features and a nature garden.

“We wanted to create something really different,” explained Vic. “Helen wanted storage space for school sports equipment so we incorporated a number of beach huts with turf roofing and then we designed a garden around them.

“A series of geometric patterns interspersed with brightly painted curved walls and pergolas will take children on a processional route through the garden, enabling them to get really close to nature.

“They will be able to participate in a range of ecologically focused outdoor activities from growing their own vegetables and bug hunting amongst the plants and flowers to just messing around in the sandpit.

“It will have a definite Chelsea Flower Show feel – I was heavily influenced by my visit to the event last year and wanted to create something evocative of this right here in Bridgnorth for youngsters to enjoy.”

Vic and Helen chose Mark Clyde of Bridgnorth landscaping specialists Designer Drives and Landscapes to undertake the work – Mark is a former Chelsea Flower Show award winner.

“Work on this remarkable garden is now well underway and should be completed within the next few weeks,” said St John’s head teacher Helen Murray.

“We’re all extremely excited about the project and the children can’t wait until their outdoor classroom is ready – it will look terrific and provide a wonderful environment in which pupils can get really close to the outdoors in an educational environment."