Sensory garden at Cambridge School


Pupils and staff create a haven at Hammersmith school

Pupils, staff, parents and volunteers have helped to create a garden to stimulate the senses at Hammersmith's Cambridge School, which caters for 11 to 16 year olds with learning difficulties.

Wood, bricks and slabs have been used for textures, while the flowers, shrubs and herbs have been chosen for scent and colour. The garden features a patio and chairs where pupils can relax and socialise and a pergola where pupils and staff can eat breakfast and lunch outside.

The whole school was involved in the design of the garden, which was funded by an HSBC in the Community grant and created by the firm Lifestyle Landscapes with the help of pupils, parents, community volunteers and volunteers from HSBC.

Pupils who have been studying construction during college placements helped to build a wall and every pupil in the school helped plant the flowers, shrubs and herbs.

The garden was officially opened by the borough's mayor, Cllr Minnie Scott Russell, onThursday, 29 June 2006.

Headteacher Olivia Meyrick said "The garden is a haven for pupils and staff and all our pupils have had a part in creating it. It is designed to be both a stimulating and calm environment and is proving really popular with everyone in the school.  We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped with the project and HSBC in the Community for agreeing to fund it."

The mayor, Cllr Minnie Scott Russell, said "The garden project has brought together pupils, staff and the community in creating a lovely green space at the school which everyone can enjoy.

The council is encouraging all schools to help make the borough a cleaner and greener place to live."

Ranjila Bhatnagar, from HSBC, said "HSBC volunteers are proud to be working with the pupils and staff at Cambridge School. This project has been a great way of raising awareness of HSBC's commitment to working with our local community and actively engaging our staff in making a difference. We are looking forward to continuing the relationships we have built in the future."

 

 

July 6, 2006