SCHOOL children are now able to grow their own food after a school garden was opened.

Youngsters at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, spent more than one year developing an under-used plot of land into a garden where they can now grow food.

Food such as carrots, beans and cabbages will be grown.

The school will also grow herbs such as mint, parsley, rosemary and lavender.

The garden was named Emma’s Garden, after the wife of scientist Charles Darwin, who carried out some of his experiments in the school’s pond.

The school’s assistant headteacher Graham White, said: "I think it is very important the children see where their food comes from and that they do not always feel it comes from a supermarket.

"They can learn how to take it from a seed, look after it and nurture it and then share the food with their friends and families."

The garden was officially opened by BBC chef Valentine Warner and other guests included Randal Keynes a direct descendant of Charles Darwin, and members of environment charity English Heritage.

Funding for the project came from the government’s Grassroots Grants, which aim to help small community groups.

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