CHILDREN at Gorse Ride Schools in Finchampstead have a beautiful new natural space for play and reflection.
A Butterfly Garden has been created by CLASP Wokingham, self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham Borough.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary members chose to restore an overgrown space at Gorse Ride Schools.
The finished garden was unveiled in Autumn sunshine by Deputy Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Rob Comber.
He said: “CLASP members and volunteers have given their time, skills and kindness to make a place where children can learn, play and wonder at the magic of nature.
“I hope it will bring colour, life and joy.”
CLASP gave more than 255 hours of work to the project.
Members Philip and Martin painted all the wooden planters, and said: “We all like painting and art, so we made decorations in our CLASP craft group.
“It feels good that people are going to enjoy this garden.”
Ian varnished, painted (including some fun cats) planted and helped tidy up, and has plans to expand the cat family with more painted kittens.
Michael and CLASP CEO Debs Morrison painted fences together.
She said: “We love getting involved in projects like this.
“I’ve only been on site two or three times, but I’ve loved watching the transformation, and the spirit in which everything has been done.
“The members are so proud of what they have achieved.”
Pete Evans, CLASP volunteer and school governor at Gorse Ride, spearheaded the project.
“He’s an amazing volunteer who really went the extra mile for us,” Debs said.
Mr Evans helps run CLASP’s gardening club, and is a Gorse Ride school governor.
“CLASP was able to do something for the community rather than receiving help,” he said.
“They wanted to give something back, which they love to do.
“They have created fun places for children to explore, with seats and bug hotels, flowers and surprises, including lots of bluebells that will appear next year.”
Ryan Purser was warmly thanked for dealing with green waste produced, as was Squire’s Wokingham, which provided plants, compost, trellis, bark mulch, seating and fencing.
And there was gratitude for previous school parent Sandrine Hughes who gave not only her time, but a Gardeners World border.
Owner of The Sunny Gardener, she donated her BBC show garden.
Eileen Rogers, executive head teacher for Gorse Ride Schools is thrilled with the outcome.
“When CLASP offered to restore our butterfly garden we were so delighted,” she said.
“In partnership with the children, they have designed a beautiful garden.
“As a school we’re passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and we’re so grateful to CLASP for the new space we have today.
“It gives the children opportunities to be still and peaceful, and to enjoy interacting with nature.
“One little girl who saw the tiny fairy door at the base of a tree said: ‘That’s where the ants go in there’s a lift inside to go up to the bird box.’”
The children enjoyed exploring the newly opened garden.
“It was overgrown before, and there were holes in the fences, but it’s great now it has been transformed,” said Silas, Finn, Esme and Florence.
“It’s incredible.”
“People used to trample over the plants to get through the fence, but that won’t happen now.”
Others agreed: “It makes me feel calm and happy when I come here.”
“It’s really good, and I think it will attract animals.”
“If anyone’s feeling nervous and doesn’t know what to do they can just come here to sit and be peaceful.”
For information, visit: gorserideschools.co.uk, claspwokingham.org, squiresgardencentres.co.uk or search for The Sunny Gardener on social media.
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