PUPILS are working with architects to design a peaceful woodland garden as part of a multi-million pound development to build two new schools on the same site.

Newcastle-based OOBE Landscape Architects has met with representatives of Hexham Youth Initiative to discuss the garden area which will be included in plans to bring Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School together on one site at Whetshone Bridge.

The garden will provide a quiet, secluded and safe environment for schoolchildren and the wider community to enjoy, and will replace the historic walled garden which will make during the development.

A series of workshops are planned with the schools and volunteers from Hexham Walled Garden.

Keda Norman, co-ordinator of Hexham Youth Initiative, has been a volunteer who has supported the development of the walled garden space for 22 years. She said: “We are very sorry that the walled garden cannot be retained.

“It has meant so much to so many young people. Emma Thompson, who taught horticulture at Queen Elizabeth, and the whole team have used the space to nurture an interest in the natural environment and help young people develop confidence and well-being over many years.

“We are, however, very grateful that OOBE will help us to save existing planting and relocate wildlife.

“We also look forward to working with him and the schools to help design the new woodland garden.

“It is an opportunity to bring in new ideas and interested community members to create a quiet and safe environment for young people.

“A special place where they can enjoy nature and develop horticulture and woodland management skills.”

Both schools are run by Hadrian Learning Trust, which is looking forward to developing the green space.

The trust’s executive headteacher, Graeme Atkins, said: “The design team has balanced the requirements of the school brief, legislation and technical specifications with the absolute desire to retain as many existing mature trees and woodland as possible, as well as restoring the most significant parts of the historic Hydro and Winter Garden.

“The collaboration between the schools, OOBE and volunteers will see the creation of a new woodland garden that will re-provide much of what is special about the existing walled garden and be sustainable for future generations.”

The proposed development of new school buildings for Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School is currently the subject of a planning application being considered by Northumberland County Council.

The cost of the development is estimated at £36m, with the county council to provide £23m of that total.