Suthers School, Fernwood, asking for the community support in creation of a memorial green space in tribute to Martin Suthers

A school is asking for community support in the creation of a new memorial green space.

The Suthers School in Fernwood is working on a memorial garden in tribute to Martin Suthers, whom the school is named after. He represented Bingham on Nottinghamshire County Council for many years.

The school is working closely with Pippa Allen, a local garden designer, and a landscaper Freddie Allen to create the new space.

The new green space is designed to have growing spaces and sensory areas, which can be used as teaching resources and enrichment activities.

Sarah Chewings, a science teacher and Emma Adams, a French civics teacher, have been working together on the project for a year and a half.

Former and current students have been involved in the making of the project with new ideas.

The school is now appealing for material donations from businesses and individuals to help complete the project.

The project aims to create an area which can be calming for students needing a sensory break and encourage them to learn about ecology and sustainability in food production.

“We want it to be a space that everybody can enjoy, not just about a group of our students, it’s about everyone in the local space to come in and use,” said Emma Adams.

She added: “The first time I saw the plans I said how amazing it was and that if we make it happen it will be incredible.”

The first phase of the works, starting in December is expected to be completed when students return from Christmas break.

The second phase, which includes decoration and planting, is expected to start during Easter break.

“We want this to be a legacy that goes on for decades and decades and for years and years as an important part of the school,” said Sarah Chewings.

She added: “Seeing the project become real is like a dream come true but slightly terrifying.

The school grounds were an airfield during the second world war and the design is laid out how the runways were, although not exactly to scale.

The students created a mood board in which Pippa got the inspiration for the project design.

“It will be something different to the school and will be using a space that isn’t really used to turn it into something used by everyone,” said Alfie Key.

The school is asking for donations of the following materials:

• Eight archways engraved with the school motos

• Seven raised veg bed

• Wooden toadstool seats

• Triangular wooden tree bench

• Corner pergola

• Circular bench

• Plastic bottle greenhouse

• Three compost bins

• Hedging

• Trees dotted around the nature garden area

• Memorial tree

• Path area

• Bark Mulch

• Earth for the vegetables

• Gravel

• Plants for the nature garden areas

• Vegetable plants

• Plants for the parterre

• Tyres

Current students Alfie Key, Charlie Key, Jonathan Ashhar and Louie have been involved in the project.

Former students who were strongly involved in the project are Vic Wells, Josh Sharman and Jamie Watkin-Richards.