A rundown sensory garden in Carlton has been successfully refurbished, thanks to cash from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF).
Gedling Borough Council has been working with Nottingham-based contractors to develop the Garden for the Blind on Carlton Hill.
A variety of additions and improvements have been paid for with £28,000 from the UKSPF.
This investment will see the park receive new sensory planting, benches and a variety of new sensory elements such as harmony bells and tactile rubbing plates with nature images.
The updated sensory garden located on Albert Avenue, next to a children’s playground, was officially re-opened on Wednesday, February 12, with new signage and an updated braille plaque.
Former Carlton resident, Doctor Luke Hewitt, who is visually impaired, originally opened the garden in 1990. He was invited to attend the reopening with his family, to experience the new elements which have recently been introduced as part of the funded project.
Dr Hewitt’s mother, Lynn is registered blind and a regular user of the Garden, which she describes as “an oasis in Carlton, a place to unwind and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that the garden brings”.
Dr Hewitt said, “I have very fond memories of Albert Avenue park, and the opening of the sensory garden.
“Aged seven, I’d suffered a massive expulsive haemorrhage that year, and had lost the majority of my vision. I still remember standing beside the Member of Parliament for Gedling and pulling the blue ribbon to declare the garden open, then going around the different beds of herbs and tactile plants, from the soft lambs ear to the spicy scented sage; each with its braille label.”
“Though my wife and I currently live in Newark, we’re regularly in Carlton visiting my family and I always look forward to seeing the garden, whether the lights on the tree at Christmas, or the bright yellow daffodils in spring.
“I’m really pleased that the garden is being renovated and that other people will be able to experience the various plants and sculptures just as I did 35 years ago.”
Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat at Gedling Borough Council, said: “This is a valuable investment to develop the sensory garden for the community to enjoy for years to come.
“The project is breathing new life into the garden with the addition of sensory planting and new elements to add a wider variety of colour, scents and textures to be experienced by all its visitors.
“It will undoubtedly attract more wildlife and be somewhere for local residents and shoppers to enjoy whilst visiting Carlton Hill.”
Councillor Kathryn Fox, Portfolio Holder for Life Chances and Vulnerability at Gedling Borough Council, said: “This inclusive project will be especially beneficial for blind and partially sighted people, children and anyone with sensory needs or visual impairments.
“I’m pleased to see so many new sensory additions such as the harmony bells, fresh planting and tactile rubbing plaques which will be enjoyed by all the garden’s visitors at Carlton Hill. Sensory gardens offer the community a peaceful and uplifting place to rest and recharge, benefiting their physical and mental health, during their busy lives.”
Gedling Borough Council is working closely with local community groups to ensure The Garden for the Blind is well maintained and enjoyed by all with regular litter picks and monitoring.
The project is part of a wider investment strategy by the UK Government to improve town centres and high streets, attracting greater footfall to benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.
