WOOLMER Hill School is embarking on a new and exciting “edible garden project”.

RHS Chelsea Medal winner Hannah Genders will help the students design, build, plant and maintain a dedicated garden as part of an after school eco-gardening club.

Hannah met students and staff last Friday, along with mayor Melanie Odell, a school governor, who said she “couldn’t wait to get her gardening gear on”.

A school spokesman said: “Te aim of the in-school garden project is to guide students in how to grow and look after their own fruit and vegetable plants and, by encouraging them to regularly commit their time and energy, to create a beautiful garden and ultimately some tasty produce.”

Science teacher Dr Lucy Whiteman, who is closely involved with this project, said the resource would be invaluable in the teaching of some core aspects of the key stages three and four biology curriculum, and will also serve as an extremely useful interactive outside teaching space.

Newly-appointed head teacher Clare Talbot – see page five – said she was keen to see the “garden project flourish and make more use of the wonderful grounds that the school is situated in”. The local community is also involved in the new venture, with pledges so far of garden tools from Jewson and a donation from R Miles and Son of West Street, Haslemere. The school would welcome any further donations of resources or expertise from the local community. Email lwhite man@woolmerhill. surrey.sch.uk