Work begins on new Sensory Garden at Richmond Park

Castle Point Borough Council is delivering the project in partnership with Trust Links, following a successful proposal championed by St Mary's Ward Councillor Sharon Ainsley of The People's Independent Party. Initial site marking is now underway, with construction and planting expected to continue over the next eight weeks.

Designed with accessibility at its heart, the sensory garden will offer an inclusive environment for people of all ages and abilities. Features will include wheelchair-friendly pathways, raised planting beds, seating areas and a gazebo, creating a space where visitors can enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors.

The garden will engage all the senses through carefully selected planting, fragrant herbs and flowers, fruit trees and a variety of textures and colours. At its centre will be a tranquil pond, providing a focal point for reflection and relaxation. As well as enhancing the sensory experience, the pond will support local wildlife and biodiversity, helping to create a thriving natural haven within Richmond Park.

Beautiful Sakura cherry trees will complement the garden, creating a colourful avenue from Legacy to the new sensory space. Additional cherry trees planted within the garden will provide a stunning seasonal display each spring.

Councillor Sharon Ainsley said: "Seeing this project move from an idea to reality is incredibly rewarding. The Sensory Garden will provide a peaceful space where people can relax, reconnect with nature and enjoy an environment designed to engage the senses.

"The tranquil pond will create a focal point for reflection and relaxation, while also providing valuable habitat for wildlife and supporting biodiversity within Richmond Park.

"I hope the garden becomes a valued community asset, bringing enjoyment, wellbeing and opportunities to connect with nature for many years to come.
"My sincere thanks go to Council officers, Cabinet Members, my fellow St Mary's Ward Councillors Rob Lillis and Russ Savage and the fantastic team at Trust Links for their support and dedication in helping make this vision a reality. I would also like to thank Anglian Water for its generous sponsorship, which has helped make the project possible."

Matt King, Chief Executive of Trust Links, said: “We are delighted to work with Castle Point Borough Council, helping to transform the space in Richmond Park into a biodiverse and relaxing space. Trust Links is a local charity for mental health, wellbeing and the environment with seven Growing Together community gardens and a community orchard including sites in Thundersley and Canvey Island. We see the positive impact of engaging with nature and the outdoors through our projects. We are pleased to work with our volunteers and members to help improve this space for the benefit of the whole community.” 

The project has also been supported by a generous £5,000 sponsorship from Anglian Water. Grant Tuffs, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Lead at Anglian Water said: “We're delighted to support the creation of the new sensory garden at Richmond Park. This project will provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people can enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature, while also enhancing biodiversity and creating valuable habitat for local wildlife. We're proud to work alongside Castle Point Borough Council and Trust Links to help bring this fantastic community asset to life and look forward to seeing residents enjoy it for years to come.”