Sensory Garden at Newark Orchard School officially opened after two years of hard work from students and Volunteer It Yourself, supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council
After two years of hard work from more than 50 students, a school’s brand new sensory garden has officially opened.
Students at Newark Orchard School, on London Road, have been working hard to create a purpose-built outdoor learning and sensory space in the school grounds.
It features a range of fun and relaxing activities from noughts and crosses to raised planters and a music wall.
The ribbon was cut on Wednesday morning by Rowan Cozens, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts, and students flocked to explore the garden.
Kate Fell, teacher and careers leader at the school, led the project. At the opening, she said: “You have put your souls and your bodies into this space.
“I had been two years of absolute hard work, we thought we wouldn't get it finished but we have pulled through.”
The project was overseen by Volunteer It Yourself, an organisation dedicated to teaching young people trade skills while working on community facilities, and funded by Newark and Sherwood District Council through it’s shared prosperity funding.
About 50 students helped out with the project over the course of the two years, with some having since left the school — a painted plaque in the garden showcases the names of everyone who took part.
The garden was built up completely from scratch, with 15 tons of hardcore having to be shifted in the process to make way for wheelchair-accessible pathways.
Among those who lent his muscles to the job was Josh Wilson, who said: “We put a lot of hard work into it, without us you can’t do it.
“Thank you to Volunteer It Yourself for helping us to do the project.”
Student John-James Coverdale added: “I did a lot of digging around.
“My favourite part of the garden is the music wall and the sand.”
Rowan Cozens was treated to a tour of the garden by students, and was shown how they all got involved, from Sapphire’s artwork to Josh’s digging.
“I loved being shown around by Emily, she told me in real detail about all the people involved and what they did,” Rowan said.
“It is a great space and they should be very proud. What a lovely project — and a prime example of people working together to make something lovely.”
The project was also supported by the Friends of Newark Orchard School, who provided a £100 gift voucher which funded the plants for the raised beds, Sconce and Devon Park, which donated sunflowers and strawberry plants, and GXO Logistics, which donated a bench for students to relax on under the wooden gazebo.
Kate added: “It’s a classroom beyond walls for the young people, and another place for them to go.
“We have lots of students with sensory needs. It can be used for mindfulness, mental health, or as an intervention.”
The students will also be able to take part in in-school work experience in the coming year, taking on the responsibility for keeping the space tidy and green.