The brief
The school had long held plans to transform an unused corner of the school grounds which had become wild and overgrown, into a social and outdoor learning space, complete with sensory garden.
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Scent-sational garden and outdoor classroom tame wilderness area in Hereford primary school
The plan
Once the budget was in place, the school was keen to get started and they were determined to use eco-friendly materials wherever possible. After consulting with staff and pupils, the school drew up an ambitious ‘wish list’ which included a geodome greenhouse, raised planters for growing fruit and vegetables, an outdoor classroom, a pergola with climbing plants for natural shade, game-topper picnic tables for traditional favourites like chess, plus a performance space to let pupils’ imaginations run wild.
The result
The new sensory play space provides the perfect complement to the high-adrenaline physical play activities which take place on the large playground. The difference is always in the detail – thoughtful design features really enhance the overall playfulness and appeal of the space. The outdoor classroom has a colourful roof creating a rainbow of light on bright days and play panels have been used as walls to provide maximum play value. Curved pathways create extra interest and are made from gravel-coloured rubber crumb to give a rustic feel to the garden. An amphitheatre, with comfortable artificial grass seating, curves around a large stage and is proving really popular with the pupils, who gather to make up games and stories.
Some of the children are keen gardeners, so the bespoke planters have been quickly filled with colourful scented flowers and the geodome green house is being used to plant fruit and vegetables. Climbers plants are already starting to grow up and over the pergola and the whole space is used to support the high quality outdoor curriculum taking place at the school.
Amy Preece, Head Teacher is enthusiastic about the new space, saying it has provides the ideal backdrop to support their thriving outdoor curriculum:
“Having worked with Proper Playgrounds twice before on our eco-friendly adventure trail and early years’ area, we didn’t have to think twice before calling Simon and his team to turn our plans into a reality. After several site visits and design iterations, we had the perfect, imaginative plan which packed everything we needed into the compact space.”
