Overview

Within Redbridge College there was an unused external area. CTC were contracted to transform this space into a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Sensory Garden.

What is a Sensory Garden and why is it important?
A sensory garden is about stimulating and engaging the 5 basic senses – Sight, Smell, Sound, Touch, and Taste. This type of garden not only allows you to connect with nature but encourages you to become more aware of your surroundings and your response to them.
Cited benefits of SEND gardening includes improved motor skills, enhanced creativity, increased social skills and improved self-confidence. Gardening also reduces stress and helps children cope with anxiety and frustration.

This was a garden like no other, and one that had lots of specialist equipment inside. It was important that the preparation was done correctly to ensure durability of the equipment. Some of the equipment contained within were samba drums, wobble bridge, totems, mud kitchen, water fountains and willow domes. Landscaping included: Trail flex rubber, artificial grass, cobble paving, loose cobbles, granite sets, slate chippings, and red bricks on edge. This was a complex and intricate design. The project was completed by adding planting of trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Location

New City College – Redbridge Campus

Client

New City College

Description

External SEND garden development

Project Value

Undisclosed

Programme

8 weeks

PROJECT GALLERY