Sensory gardens opened!

20 September 2024

Yesterday we proudly opened our new sensory gardens at the Barham Skills Centre. After a two-year fundraising appeal, our supporters, students, staff and Trustees gathered to enjoy the new space, designed to provide a peaceful and tranquil environment for our students with learning disabilities to explore.

The gardens are divided into three areas, each offering a unique sensory experience. One garden, in memory of Susie Gurney, allows students to touch, see, and feel different plants. Another space, in memory of Ian Sayles, invites students to sit and calm themselves, complete with a water feature and beautiful greenery. A final shaded area with a circular bench provides a quiet spot for rest under our sail, donated by Roger Davies Jones Trust in 2023.

Mick James, our fundraising manager, said: "Thank you to everyone who made this project possible. We are deeply thankful to the Nonington Gardening Club, NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield, Turley Charitable Trust, The Worshipful Company of Gardeners of London, and Smart Gardens for their support.”

With the sensory gardens complete, we are now focusing on our next project – fundraising to rebuild our music room. Want to support us? Email Mick at: [email protected]

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