Creating a Sensory Garden

Project Summary

We are seeking funding to create a vibrant and accessible sensory garden that will provide a rich outdoor learning environment for visitors of all ages and abilities, while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity on the farm.

Need

We believe that connecting with nature is essential for wellbeing and learning. A sensory garden provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the natural world through sight, smell, touch, sound, and even taste. This immersive experience fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment and promotes a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Project Description

Our sensory garden will be designed to stimulate all five senses, featuring:

• Sight: A diverse array of colourful flowers, foliage with varying textures, and visually appealing structures like arches and sculptures.
• Smell: Aromatic herbs, fragrant flowers, and scented shrubs.
• Touch: A variety of textures, including soft grasses, smooth stones, rough bark, and cool water features.
• Sound: Wind chimes, rustling plants, bird feeders attracting local wildlife, and a gently flowing water feature.
• Taste: Edible plants, fruits, and herbs that visitors can sample (with appropriate supervision and guidance).

In addition to the sensory elements, the garden will include:

• Accessible pathways: Ensuring that the garden is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges.
• Seating areas: Providing spaces for rest and reflection.
• Educational signage: Identifying plants and their unique sensory characteristics.

Our Work to Date

We are committed to environmental stewardship and providing educational opportunities. We have already made significant strides in improving biodiversity on the farm, including:

• Establishing an orchard consisting of hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose, rowan, apples, cherries and pears
• A polytunnel with a blueberry fruit area, hops den and dessert grape
• A compost area recycling all kitchen scraps (to come will be a Bokashi and wormery to widen our compost area and to showcase different methods of composting)
• Wildflower meadow planting

Additionally we have built a barn/workshop for tool storage and wet weather days. Built a chicken area which has provided an area of calm for young people and an educational opportunity as they learn how to care for animals.

Benefits

This project will:

• Enhance biodiversity: Attract pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, contributing to a healthy ecosystem on the farm.
• Provide an enriching learning environment: Offer opportunities for hands-on learning about plants, ecosystems, and the importance of biodiversity.
• Promote wellbeing: Create a calming and therapeutic space for visitors to connect with nature and reduce stress.
• Increase accessibility: Ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits of the natural world.
• Enhance the visitor experience: Add a unique and engaging attraction to the farm.

Sustainability

We are committed to creating a sustainable garden that requires minimal resources. We will:

• Utilise water-wise planting techniques (specifically wood chip mulching)
• Compost organic waste
• Source plants locally
• Encourage natural pest control methods

Conclusion:

We are confident that this sensory garden will be a valuable asset to our farm and the wider community. It will provide a unique and engaging space for learning, relaxation, and connection with the natural world. We urge you to consider our funding request and help us bring this vision to life.