THE roots of a unique project are being laid to create a symbol of peace and harmony.

People of all denominations are working to transform the former Quakers burial ground at the Nothe in Weymouth into a multi-faith peace garden.

The overgrown site next to the Nothe Tavern was cleared last autumn and a local garden designer, RHS Chelsea Flower Show award winner Michelle Brown, has come up with a plan for the ground.

The first tree will be planted there today – thanks to a donation from the Friends of the Nothe Gardens.

It will be the beginning of some major planting in the garden which will also feature seating areas and a labyrinth of paths.

The peace garden project was started by the Weymouth Quaker Group, but is being built by a team of volunteers.

Support has come from a number of organisations, including Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, the Nothe Tavern and Nothe Fort, plus there has been help from many local suppliers.

Main funding has come via a grant from the Communities Development Fund Faiths in Action.

The garden will open on Saturday, April 24. It is hoped that visitors will respect the history of the burial ground and the peace within it.

Chris Wilson, chairwoman of the Weymouth Peace Garden project, said: “The garden is to be the creation of people who believe that peace is worth working for.

“We want to show that people of different ages, beliefs, cultures, body shapes and faiths are great people, and as such we want to live in peace, celebrate peace and practice peace.”

Representatives from the Quakers, Holy Trinity Church, Weymouth Buddhist Group, the Jewish faith and the Bournemouth Islamic Centre have all had an input so far.

People of all faiths or none are being sought to support the project. To get involved email weymouthpeacegarden@hotmail.co.uk