The new memorial and reflection garden at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne has been blessed and dedicated by the Bishop of Salisbury.
The Rt Rev Stephen Lake, who was appointed to his new role earlier this year, used holy water and Rosemary to bless the new facility.
It was funded by the school’s trustees and includes a circular central garden with seating and a lavender-lined path.
Before the formalities took place, students entertained the guests with musical and dance performances.
The Bishop said: “This is a garden of peace and beauty that represents the whole of creation.
“It reminds us of our responsibility to look after it. The garden is also a place where relationships can develop. Relationships are like the garden in that if we don’t look after them, they will wither.”
Headteacher Katie Boyes said: “Our school trust has funded not only the garden but the groundworks that were required to make it possible.
“We are extremely lucky to have the trust which has given us so much over the years.
“We are also incredibly grateful to the Bishop of Salisbury and Rev Canon Andrew Rowland of Wimborne Minster for coming. The garden is a wonderful addition to the school and as it matures it will blossom into something really superb.”
QE School is part of Wimborne Academy Trust whose chief executive office Liz West was at the ceremony. She said: “It is important in our trust to consider not just the academic, artistic and sporting elements of a student, but their whole being.
“This garden provides a place of quiet reflection and will allow them to spend time and address their spiritual needs, for example.”