New sensory garden helps community space grow in Thornaby

A new sensory garden is taking shape at the community garden on Peel Street, Thornaby, thanks to a partnership between North Star Housing, Sprouts Community Food Charity and roofing contractor Evenii.

The project was made possible through North Star’s Heartbeat initiative, which brings colleagues together from across the organisation to identify opportunities to make a positive difference in the communities where the housing association operates in the North East.

After hearing about Sprouts' plans to make the community garden more accessible and inclusive, the staff group covering Thornaby and Stockton-on-Tees arranged for Evenii to create the foundations for the new sensory garden as part of their social value commitment. North Star also donated £1,000 to help fund the planting and finishing touches.

The sensory garden will provide a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy nature, supporting the wider community garden that has become a hub for local residents, volunteers and schools.

Debbie Fixter, Operations Manager at Sprouts Community Food Charity, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the sensory garden created by the team at Evenii. It is far beyond our wildest dreams and we really appreciate the hard work, time, cost and effort. We can't thank you enough for helping us grow the community garden into an inclusive environment for all abilities."

Dean Goyns, Company Director at Evenii, added: "The fencing and landscaping team really enjoyed getting involved and we look forward to seeing progress pictures. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Sprouts and North Star on this project." 

The project was a real community effort. Thornaby Town Council provided access to an outdoor water supply to help keep the garden thriving, while volunteers, alongside pupils and staff from North Shore Academy and visitors from Westlands School, all played their part in creating the space.

With the foundations now complete, the final planting and finishing touches will be added over the coming weeks, creating a sensory garden that everyone can enjoy for years to come.