ILKLEY-born celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh returned to his former school to unveil a brand new outdoor classroom and wildlife garden on June 15.

The TV presenter and author was given a warm welcome from parents, pupils and teachers at Ashlands Primary School in Ilkley as he took a trip down memory lane.

Alan cut the ribbon to officially open the outdoor classroom and rolled up his sleeves to plant an apple tree with the help of the newly formed eco committee. He also took a walk around the gardens and enjoyed the wonderful space that has been created.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Alan Titchmarsh officially opened the new community garden at Ashlands Primary School on June 15

The Ashlands Community Garden has been designed and funded by Friends Of Ashlands and can be enjoyed and used by the school and the local community. The community garden has a real ‘buzz’ about it, benefits the local wildlife and encourages biodiversity and outdoor learning with its dipping pond, and the recent arrival of three beehives.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Alan Titchmarsh officially opened the new community garden at Ashlands Primary School on June 15

Alan said: “It’s a very special day for me as 65 years ago I left this school and it’s wonderful for me to come back. Growing up in Ilkley, there is nature on tap, the moors up there, the river down there, it’s all around us and sometimes we can take it for granted, but don’t. The eco committee know how important it is, so thank you Ashlands for realising the importance of growing and nature, because it matters, and enriches our lives both physically and spiritually.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Alan Titchmarsh officially opened the new community garden at Ashlands Primary School on June 15

Head teacher Mr Andrew Soutar said: "It was fantastic to welcome Alan Titchmarsh to Ashlands and hear his memories of the school when he was a pupil. We appreciated his time, gardening knowledge and kind words. We will remember his visit forever as we watch the apple tree grow and enjoy the community garden for many years to come.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Alan Titchmarsh officially opened the new community garden at Ashlands Primary School on June 15

Friends of Ashlands chair Nicola Holmes said: “We are so proud of our new outdoor classroom and wildlife garden and who better than Alan Titchmarsh MBE to officially open it for us. He was as passionate as we are to see the benefits of such a great facility to the school and local community. It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication to get it up and running.

"We see the Ashlands Community Garden as our contribution to the local green recovery. Research shows that outdoor learning enhances academic performance and improves personal development and wellbeing for children. Spending time outdoors and in nature doesn’t just support education, it improves and protects mental health across the life course.

"At Ashlands Primary School we want to develop a strong curriculum that is underpinned by regular access for all our children to outdoor learning opportunities. This in turn helps children connect with nature and develop a love and appreciation for their natural surroundings. We believe this is vital following a period of great disruption to the whole community – and to children’s education in particular – after lockdown."