Creating a Sensory Garden at Riverside Bridge School in Barking

Creating Inspirational Community Spaces

Last year, we created an award-winning outdoor learning space and urban farm for primary school children in Islington. Subsequently, A J Morrisroe & Sons Project Manager Neil McVicar spotted another opportunity for his team to get involved in a community garden project; this time for a special needs school in the Barking Riverside Community.

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MSVF completed the various surveys and obtained the relevant permissions while we designed and planned the refurbishment and landscaping works. The Barking team then delivered a quality space which involved the preparation of top soil, refurbishment of planters and the creation of composting, outdoor seating areas and wheelchair access throughout the site. The MSVF JV planted plants and shrubs; some of which were repurposed and others which were kindly donated by local suppliers.

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Works were completed while the school was closed over the summer period and in time for the start of the academic year. At the official opening on 2nd October, which was attended by BRE Project Director Richard Pollard and Cllr Maureen Worby (Cabinet member for Social Care & Health Integration at LBBD), children and staff from the school were able to show their appreciation by presenting gifts and thank you letters to the Barking team.

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School teacher Claire Barros commented on the importance of the garden which “is ready to be used by pupils for food technology, life skills, outdoor learning, and can be used as a sensory garden, gardening club and much more - the possibilities are endless.”

Together with our client MSVF, we have transformed what was a fairly neglected garden space into a more inspirational outdoor space that will leave a true legacy in the community.

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