A sensory garden in Doncaster
Published: September 24, 2024
The team at Ardagh Glass Packaging-Doncaster, UK threw themselves into a project to benefit Hatfield Woodhouse Primary School, pledging funds and volunteers to create an inclusive outdoor learning area: a biodiverse sensory garden designed for children with special educational needs. More than 40 volunteers worked during the summer months in partnership with local facilities firm Denton Nickels to bring the project to life. Following weeks of planning, volunteers began clearing the school’s old, overgrown garden and by September, the fantastic new sensory garden welcomed pupils, staff and volunteers to experience its wealth of exciting features, including:
- Bug houses made from repurposed pallets and our glass jars to support insect life
- The pond and bridge – once overgrown with brambles – Restored and teeming with wildlife
- A metal fire pit and barbecue made by the Doncaster Plant Engineering team.
“The sensory garden has become an incredible space for the children to enjoy, said James Grant, Doncaster Plant Director. “Our team of volunteers has put an immense amount of work into it, and we are all so proud to see it finished. We will continue to support the school, which plays a vital role in the local community.”
The school’s acting head teacher, Mikaela Moore, was delighted with the result, noting that the school had been planning lessons to tie the science curriculum into the children’s learning in the sensory garden. “It has been quite emotional seeing the area develop from an overgrown unusable space into what we have today. We can’t thank the volunteers enough.”
Colleagues will continue to volunteer to maintain the garden and support a new gardening club and forest school where children can learn outdoor skills to help boost their confidence.
