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A sensory garden has been opened at a school for children with learning difficulties in memory of a former pupil who died in a tragic accident.
The new space at Orchard School in Canterbury was designed by BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Mark Lane and offers a calming space for pupils, who have a range of social, emotional and mental health needs.
The garden, located in a courtyard, has been opened in memory of Charlie Kelsey-Neil, who was a pupil at the Cambridge Road school.
His heartbroken mother, Caroline Neil, says her son, who had ADHD, would have loved the sensory garden, particularly the pond.
“Charlie absolutely loved fishing - that was the only time he would sit still and be quiet,” she said.
“He always wanted to spend every moment by the lake near where we lived. It was the peace and quiet that he loved about fishing. He would really love this garden.”
She says the new addition to the school will allow other children to have a place to relax.
The mum-of-five says she too will enjoy spending time there, to reflect and think about her son.
“I have to move on with things because I have other children but it’s always there,” she said. “It makes you a different person. He was my eldest. It’s had such an impact on the family.”
The 37-year-old attended the unveiling with family members, including her husband Jovan, son Franky, 17, who used to attend Orchard School, and her youngest, Lillani, two.
The courtyard previously contained an old pond and seating, but it has been transformed with a water feature and new seating, ornamental grasses, herbs and woodland plants. There is also a large pond containing fish which pupils will care for.
Head teacher Annabel Lilley says the space is a wonderful addition to the school.
“There’s been quite a lot of interest in the space and how it could be used to benefit the children,” she said.
“It is really important for them to experience this calm and tranquil setting.
“A lot of them are interested in fishing so we have the fish here, which they love.
“It’s a place they can come to feel calm, which for these children is very important when coping with a range of learning and emotional needs.”
She says it has been a team effort bringing the project to fruition, with input from pupils who also helped with the fundraising.
