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special projects >> bentfield primary school sensory garden

the brief

Bentfield Primary School is an inclusive school and as such has a number of children with disabilities ranging from mild to severe. Some children are in wheelchairs and can propel themselves, some have to be pushed by others. A group of parents (some of whom have disabled children themselves) wanted to create a sensory garden that could be used by all the children in the school whatever their level of ability. They had some ideas of their own but ultimately needed professional guidance to create the garden.

The Solution

The end result has been very popular with all the children. From the hazard (bumpy) paving that gives the wheelchair users an exciting ride, to the echoing tunnel. All weather artificial lawn suitable for wheelchairs means the children have always got some grass to sit/play on even in the winter. The bricks set into the concrete path give scope for games. Blackboards and musical instruments give the children some specific activities in the garden. The raised beds double as seating and also stop stray footballs from the adjacent playground, one of the beds has been left empty for gardening activities as part of the curriculum. Plans are now afoot for the final touches including the children decorating the tunnel with mosaic.

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"Anthea understood precisely the vision we had for the space as well as our desire to combine outdoor dining and living with a low-maintenance garden. She brought our vision to life by mixing traditional and modern materials to create texture and signature features in the different areas."
Mr and Mrs Purdie