CUMBRIA'S agricultural college is preparing to celebrate its 120th anniversary by planting a commemorative garden.

The garden lies at the heart of the Newton Rigg campus at Penrith and is being reconfigured by staff and students to reflect the landscape of the surrounding Cumbrian countryside.

It will be known as the Newton Rigg Society Garden as the society has played a significant role in the project.

College principal Wes Johnson said: “Our 120th anniversary is important not only on our calendar but for the region as a whole; over the years the college has nurtured and educated thousands of young people, particularly in rural and agricultural skills.

"In the run up to the anniversary, a number of events will take place but we are beginning with the creation of what will be an iconic garden. This will not only be a wonderful resource for students, but also a very tangible and living reminder of our heritage and place within the Cumbrian community.

"It is appropriate that involvement has come not only from the Newton Rigg Society who are taking the lead, but with support from local businesses and organisations as well as our own staff and students.”

The garden design is the work of former student Alison Stanley, who studied horticulture at the college and now runs her own business in Cockermouth. Led by senior lecturer Shelagh Todd, the practical work is being carried out by students across a number of departments including forestry, agriculture, countryside management as well as horticulture.

Alison's design includes a circular sheep fold and seat made from Dacre limestone built by members of the Dry Stone Walling Association. There is also an orchard of local fruit trees including the “Keswick Codling” and Cumbrian Damson which is under-planted with a Cumbria-inspired wild flower meadow. One of the borders incorporates a golden fruited crab apple to represent the golden apples on the Newton Rigg shield.

Elsewhere a stream will be included, a specimen Rowan tree, flowering heath plants, ornamental moor grasses and a Honister slate path edged with sandstone from Lazonby Quarry. The garden will be enclosed by a yew and privet hedge and a dry stone wall built by students is an important feature. Wrought iron gates will be specially constructed and mark the anniversary by saying “Newton Rigg Society Garden, 1896 – 2016”.

South Lakes farmer Trevor Wilson, chairman of Newton Rigg Society, said: “There has been a lot of preparation work in getting the garden to this stage and we are grateful to committee member John Rigg who has championed the rejuvenation of the garden since the Newton Rigg Society was reformed in 2012. John has been liaising with Shelagh Todd and Alison Stanley to make the most of the garden and has encouraged local businesses to contribute to the cost of materials. We’re all looking forward to seeing current students create something for past and present students and visitors to enjoy in the future.”