Tenants get close to butterflies in sensory garden

Creating the sensory garden

The large garden at one of our supported living schemes in London has been maintained over the years, but not used very much. RWP Caretaker Nigel worked with tenants and support staff to understand how the garden could be transformed into a special outdoor area, and to help with tenant’s well-being. It has been developed into a beautiful sensory space with the help of Nigel, staff, and the local scout group.

‘’I am really looking forward to seeing the difference this will make to all of our tenants sensory needs and I have particularly enjoyed chatting through the plans with George one of our fantastic tenants in Sutton”, says Nigel.

The sensory garden is designed to stimulate one or more of the senses, such as sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch.  It supports wellbeing as the garden encourages people to use all of their senses to enjoy the nature around them. The local scout group have volunteered their time and helped by making decorations, such as wind chimes, windmills and bug houses which create wonderful sounds, movement, and colour in the garden.

Getting close to nature

A butterfly house was added to the garden too, allowing tenants to enjoy the colours and movement of the butterflies dancing around them.  RWP provided the reinforced walk-in polytunnel that has been used for the butterfly house. Tenants will be able to experience the sights smells and sensations of the plants whilst enjoying watching the butterflies moving around the plants.

Local community

Tenants at the scheme are being supported to adopt hedgehogs from a local rescue centre to provide a learning environment about nature. Nigel is working on building a hedgehog house under a compost bin, so they can be looked after by staff and tenants in the garden.

Sustainable materials

Staff from Choice Support who support tenants at the scheme will help tenants engage with and enjoy the wildlife and sensory environment in the garden. They intend to provide materials for the compost bin and hedgehog house that can be upcycled, such as wooden pallets, and so helping to contribute towards a sustainable environment in the garden.

Watch the sensory garden video: