A memorial bench now stands prominently within a community open space to commemorate the life of the woman who helped create the area.
Sue Jarrett, a former school teacher and historian, was described as a “key pillar” of many organisations in Eaton Socon and Eaton Ford when she passed away in September.
The Pightle, in Eaton Socon, was one of the many community causes she was involved with and the unusual bench has been placed in a spot that was dear to her heart.
The backrest is covered in snowdrops, and two silver birch trees have also been planted either side.
Joan Foley, a trustee of the Pightle Millennium Green Trust, said: “Sue had been involved in The Pightle since it was first set up in 2000. This open space meant a great deal to her.
“Her family selected the snowdrops bench and it has been placed next to the area where she used to teach school children about bugs and flowers.
“Armed with their jam jars and nets, Sue would help the children catch bugs. She would help to identify them, and explain their role in nature. Her passion was inspiring.”
She added: “There is also a stunning display of snowdrops in this area of The Pightle every year, and they’re the first wild flowers to arrive in the spring.
“We’ve also chosen two Himalayan silver birch trees to be placed each side of the bench.
“This will eventually have the whitest of bark and the display will hopefully create a very beautiful area to commemorate Sue and her legacy.”
The St Neots Initiative purchased the bench, which was installed by Pightle volunteers.
The Pightle bought the two silver birch trees using a grant from the Eatons Community Association, another organisation of which Sue had been a figurehead.
An “official opening” of the bench will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 2pm. All are welcome.
The existing Pightle is a six-acre stretch of land that is managed as a wildlife area for trees and plants with paths for walking and enjoying nature.
In May, it was announced two sections of land totalling 3.5 acres had been gifted to The Pightle Trustees by landowner Robert McNish.
The new sections are behind and adjacent to Eaton Socon Cricket Club and adjacent to nature reserve.
Anyone is invited to plant trees at The Pightle to commemorate the life of a loved one, or for other life occasions.
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