Whickham Library is developing a section of waste land to the rear of the library. The area will be a sensory garden and will include a relaxing reading area, a literacy area for schools, an under fives area, a herb garden, a wild life garden and a spectacular ladybird mosaic. Access to the garden will be through the library and it will be a relaxing outdoor area for the whole community.

Until recently the area was waste ground, it was mainly tarmac with brick strips and surrounded on two sides by a stonewall. Northumbria Police provided funding to erect metal railings along the west side and on top of the walls.

A garden design competition was held in spring 2006 by Whickham Library for all year 5's at local primary schools. They received over 100 entries of a very high standard.

The winner was Harriet Morrison, a pupil from Clover Hill Primary School. Her plan was incorporated into the final design by Kathryn Upton local Garden Designer (DipGD) and a Senior Library Assistant at Whickham.

Friends of Whickham Library Garden was formed in December 2006. The first grant they received paid for the clearing of the site and the Friends are now working hard to obtain more funding.

The garden overlooks the beautiful Tyne Valley and on a clear day the Cheviot Hills are visible.

IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HELPING OR DONATING TO THE GARDEN PROJECT PLEASE CONTACT FRIENDS OF WHICKHAM LIBRARY VIA 0191 4336424.

OR ALTERNATIVELY, PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: FRIENDS OF WHICKHAM LIBRARY and send to: WHICKHAM LIBRARY, ST MARY'S GREEN, WHICKHAM, NEWCASTLE upon TYNE, NE16 4DN.

ALL DONATIONS WILL BE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED.

The garden is shaping up beautifully and we are looking forward to its completion ready for all to enjoy in the (hopefully) forthcoming summer sunshine. Funds are stll needed and will be most welcome.