Agecko and Wildwood Forest School joined forces with Huntington Secondary School to transform an existing outdoor space into a fully functional sensory garden, built entirely from donated and recycled materials.
Functional within just two days of volunteering, the project demonstrates how sustainability-focused partnership working can create tangible social value within a short timeframe.
Background
The outdoor learning area at Huntington Secondary School was adequate but lacked intentional design. There was a clear opportunity to create a space that could better support:
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory stimulation
- Structured outdoor learning
- Student wellbeing
School staff recognised the potential for the area to provide additional support for students with additional needs. However, they required assistance with design expertise, materials and project facilitation.
The solution
Partner-led delivery
Agecko worked alongside Wildwood Forest School, whose expertise in nature-based education informed the design and layout of the garden, ensuring maximum benefit for students.
The project was delivered through:
- Structured pre-planning
- Skilled volunteers from Agecko
- On-site guidance from Wildwood Forest School
- Material donations from partnering local businesses
Purpose-driven sustainability
Sustainability was central to the project. The garden was built entirely from donated and repurposed materials, aligning with Agecko’s commitment to:
- Minimising waste
- Extending the lifespan of materials
- Embedding circular economy principles wherever possible
Project materials
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, the garden was created using donated materials from:
- Industrial Textiles & Plastics Limited
- Marine and Boat Recycling
- Screenprint and Display Ltd
- B&Q
- D-Tail Plants
- Mayflex
Their support ensured the project could be delivered at no cost to the school.
Special thanks are also extended to Helen and Howard from Wildwood Forest School for their expertise and hands-on support throughout the build.
Delivered in just two days
The transformation was completed in only two days. This achievement reflects the dedication of the volunteers and the strength of collaboration between all partners involved.
It demonstrates what can be accomplished when organisations align around a shared goal.
The Intentional Sensory Garden
The finished garden now supports:
- Outdoor learning opportunities
- Structured breakout space
- Emotional regulation and wellbeing
It features:
- Full sensory planting
- Textured pathways
- A variety of seating areas
- Dedicated reflective spaces for students
Transformation
Before, the space was functional but uninspired.
After, it is a purposeful, inclusive and engaging sensory garden designed to support student development and wellbeing.
Impact
Educational & wellbeing
The garden provides students with opportunities to:
- Develop self-regulation and independence
- Engage with nature to enhance focus and learning
- Access a safe and structured breakout environment
Environmental
All materials were:
- Donated, reducing landfill waste
- Repurposed, lowering embodied carbon
- Used to demonstrate circular economy principles in action
Social value
This project brought together organisations from multiple sectors to deliver long-term positive impact for the local community.
Lessons learned
Key success factors included:
- A shared vision between partners
- Effective planning prior to delivery
- Skills-based volunteering
- Sustainability considered from the outset
- A focused and efficient team
Next steps
Agecko will continue to support initiatives like this, delivering environmental, social and economic value within the communities it serves.
