As part of the Churston Ferrer Grammar Scool's Force For Change initiative a Sensory Graden was opened on 28th May by Mrs Wendy John.

The Garden is sited in the area of the car park nearest to Dartmouth Road and is made up of various sections of natural surfaces, meadowland, shubberies, hedges and seating areas. It is anticipated that the Garden will be popular with both students and staff during break and lunch times.

Some of the funds raised by the PTA, including the major fund-raiser, the Summer ‘Fun Run’, goes to support
the burgeoning Force for Change garden which everyone can see taking shape at the front left of the school.

It is being imaginatively designed and developed by Galmpton ecologist and landscape gardener, Marilyn Everett, with some helpful input from school pupils.

As part of a plan to replicate some of the typical features of the traditional rural Devon landscape, Marilyn has created a hedgerow of multiple native shrub species on the railway station side of the garden, while on the road side she is building up a Devon bank backed by a ditch which will be planted with suitable species attractive to a variety of wildlife. Berried plants like native holly and spindle tree, as well as cotoneaster should increase the hedges’ appeal to wild birds.

The centre of the garden is being designed to resemble a woodland glade by underplanting the existing trees with woodland floor plants like primroses, bluebells, anemones and red campion, the naturally circular arrangement of trees aesthetically enhanced by a circular bed.

As the garden is designed for relaxation and enjoyment as well as education, several new seating bays have been created close to the new language block.

The fresh air will eventually be scented with herbs and grasses planted in a gravel-based sensory garden which is being created behind the seating area.

To prove its ‘green’ credentials, the garden project recycles or utilizes all materials. In this way, it should continue to expand and provide an valuable example of environmental management as well as a source of continual interest and pleasure.