Cheddington Combined School

Leighton Buzzard, Leicestershire

Cheddington School opened their sensory garden to the public in June under the National Gardens Scheme – the only school in England to do so. The garden was designed by pupils at this small village school which has around 200 pupils aged from rising five to 11, and is maintained by a thriving gardening club with the help of parent volunteers. Opening the garden, with the children acting as guides, enabled them to show the community what could be achieved in a school environment, to learn from expert visitors, and to raise money for Arthritis Care. They had about 250 visitors in total.

The Sensory eating area

Growing veg helps support healthy eating

The sensory garden has four beds based on taste, smell, sight and sound. Beyond is an environmental area with mown path across a wildflower meadow leading to a willow tunnel. Through the tunnel is an outdoor classroom, incorporating a willow wigwam. An orchard of fruit trees has been planted to provide a shady area on the edge of the playing field. The garden and environmental area are a great asset to the school and enable the children to have many lessons outside. More [Leaflet download]

Good ideas from Cheddington
 Opening on the same day as other gardens in the area makes more of an overall attraction for visitors.
 Incorporate sensory ideas into other areas of the garden such as paving with a variety of textures around the seating area to represent touch.
 Look out for competitions to enter. Cheddington’s garden has gained from both financial and in-kind prizes.