This article is based on the story by Tom Davis published on the Coventry Live website 6 October. See that site for more details.

Students from five Coventry primary schools have helped dig the foundations for the new Japanese Peace Garden which will be situated near the aviary of Coventry War Memorial Park.

Rebecca Bollands, deputy head of Howes Primary School, one of the five schools involved, said: “We are delighted that Coventry Young Ambassadors from Broad Heath, Finham, Howes, Park Hill and Stivichall primary schools have started work on their Islands of Peace Japanese Peace Garden in the Memorial Park.”

The Garden has been designed in conjunction with pupils with help from renowned Japanese garden designer Robert Ketchell. It will share a message of peace and reconciliation across the city. Ms Bollands said is hoped to be an area of “national significance” once it opens on 26 March 2021.

His Excellency the Japanese Ambassador to the UK will be present at the opening. This will follow the presentation of a Cross of Nails to the ambassador and an exhibition of students’ Japanese arts in the Cathedral that morning.

A key feature will be the ‘Islands of Peace’, and there will also be a gingko tree, viewing platforms and Japanese cherry trees known as sakura trees – all surrounded by a low wall with a traditional Japanese partial roof. A new cherry orchard will also be planted adjacent to the garden.

Pupils have been learning about Japan as part of education work under the Coventry Young Ambassadors programme.

Coventry City Council has contributed £30,000 towards the scheme which has also attracted funding from private sponsors.