THE DREAM of an Angus nursery nurse to create outdoor teaching at her school has been achieved two years after her death.

Melanie Conway visual-ised a wildlife garden for the 50 pupils at Auchterhouse. She had begun discussions on the project with Angus Council’s ranger service before tragedy struck in 2004.

Mrs Conway (34) suffered a brain haemorrhage at the nursery prize-giving ceremony and died in hospital in Edinburgh.

Yesterday, however, the £9000 development—a wildlife garden, open-air classroom and climbing area—was opened and dedicated to the popular nursery teacher.

Mrs Conway’s husband David and sons Jamie, a second-year pupil at Monifieth High School, and Harry, who is in primary seven at Auchterhouse, planted a tree in her memory. Mrs Conway’s parents, Derek and Dorothy, travelled from the south of England for yesterday’s opening.

Head teacher Peter Ferguson said the project started by Mrs Conway was expanded, developed and finally completed through the work of staff, pupils, parents, the community and the nursery nurse’s family.

Auchterhouse pupils have been heavily involved in the planting and maintenance of the garden.

Although materials and equipment were paid for through grants and private donations, the hands-on task of creating the three-section outdoor teaching area, was a community effort.

Mr Conway and his sons worked with one of the school grandparents, Tom McLeish, to cut and clear the ground and develop the flower beds.

Local councillor Frank Ellis enlisted the help of retired joiner Willie Smith of Birkhill to build the decking that forms the outdoor classroom and another grandparent, Stewart Robertson, used his mechanical digger on the project. The digger use was donated by Hewden Hire, Glamis Road. B&Q also gave donations and advice.

Ben McIntyre of Moyness Nurseries, Blairgowrie, laid out the display bed and supplied materials and labour as a donation to the garden.

Mr Ferguson said that Mrs Conway’s brother, London businessman Mike Sheath, ran the London Marathon, as well as securing corporate donations, to raise money for the garden. Mike was pleased to assist with the tree planting at yesterday’s opening.

Scottish Natural Heritage awarded a grant through Angus Council towards the open-air classroom and Health Promoting Scotland, a Scottish Executive body, supported the creation of the climbing area.

Parents and the wider community were generous in their support, said the head teacher.

Mr Ferguson said, “This project has become a focal point for school families and the local community. It is a celebration of life with all of its changing facets. It provides a place of enjoyment and learning for the whole community, and as such is a fitting tribute, expressing Mel Conway’s love of her family and pupils and her zest for life.”