Weaving a greener future

The fresh imagination of Sam McKay, 11, from Ashville College, Harrogate, has provided the finishing touch to the £3m centre intended to be a focal point for the North of England in getting children out into the garden.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Jun 2010, 13:24 BST

Updated 24th Jun 2010, 13:24 BST

Sam scooped a prize to design a willow sculpture for the innovative carbon neutral Bramall Learning Centre at RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate, which will be officially launched on June 29.

He worked with renowned sculptor Phil Bradley to create the willow sculpture, which is shaped like a deer and three quarters life size. It is the centrepiece of the new wildlife pond at the heart of the new Montague Burton Teaching Garden, which will be used by up to 10,000 schoolchildren and adult learners each year.

Curator Elizabeth Balmforth said: "2010 is a momentous year for us. We're opening the UK's most eco-friendly learning centre for gardeners, and celebrating our diamond (60th) anniversary as the premier garden in the North.

"The unveiling of the winning sculpture on June 29 will symbolise 60 years of innovative gardening at Harlow Carr, and open a summer of special events for all generations of gardeners."

Picture: Bruce Rollinson.