We’re excited to announce the launch date of our first ever Community Sensory Garden, at Life Leisure Hazel Grove – a vibrant space in nature designed to bring people together, encourage creativity, and promote healthier, happier living.
Why a sensory garden?
A sensory garden is so much more than a collection of plants and flowers. It’s a place to connect – with nature, with others, and with yourself. Studies consistently show the benefits of spending time outdoors, from reducing stress and improving mental wellbeing to boosting physical health through activities like gardening and gentle exercise.
For individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), sensory gardens offer a unique and inclusive environment that can support a wide range of needs. The carefully designed space stimulates the senses through touch, smell, sound, and sight, offering therapeutic benefits and a safe space to explore. Sensory gardens can help improve focus, reduce anxiety, and encourage engagement, making them a valuable resource for individuals and families alike.
At Life Leisure, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to lead active, fulfilling lives. This garden is our way of offering a space that’s as versatile as it is beautiful – a haven for relaxation, exploration, and connection.
But the benefits extend far beyond personal wellbeing. Gardens like this contribute to a cleaner, greener environment by improving air quality, attracting vital pollinators, and supporting biodiversity. They also encourage community pride, create safer neighbourhoods, and create opportunities for collaboration as people come together to share skills and ideas.
What to expect
This multi-purpose area will host a variety of activities, including family workshops, kids’ activity days, summer fairs, outdoor markets, gardening clubs, and sensory-focused workshops. From planting and pruning to crafting and upcycling, there’s something for everyone.
The garden also ties into our Stockport Moves and Stockport Makes initiatives, offering opportunities for organised events, intergenerational activities, and school visits. Whether it’s exploring nature with your children, participating in wellbeing sessions, or linking with existing coffee mornings and walking groups, this space has been created with the entire community in mind.
The true magic of a sensory garden lies in its ability to transform not only the physical space but also the people who use it. By caring for and participating in activities within the garden, we’re creating a sense of shared responsibility and connection.
Gardens like this have been shown to attract wildlife, reduce air pollution, and improve mental and physical health through ‘green exercise.’ Whether it’s learning how to grow fresh food, sharing gardening tips with neighbours, or simply enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by natural beauty, this garden has the power to make a lasting impact and transform not only the space itself but also the people and community around it.
The new space is opening on Wednesday 22nd January and we’d love for you to join us on the day.
Grand opening details:
Date: Wednesday 22nd January 10.00am – 2.00pm
Ribbon-cutting ceremony: 11.00am
Location: Life Leisure Hazel Grove
We’ll also be hosting fun activities throughout the day, including:
- Build a Mini Beast HQ
- Explore the sensory equipment
- Go on a Nature Hunt
- Make potions in the mud kitchen
- Spread wildflower seeds
- Design a pollinator planter
We understand that many of you might be busy with work or school commitments, but don’t worry! From 22nd January onwards, the garden will be open to the public, so you can come along and explore this beautiful space at a time that suits you.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, a place to connect with nature, or a fun activity to share with little ones, our Community Sensory Garden has something for everyone.
We hope you’ll join us for the opening celebration or visit soon to see what this wonderful space has to offer.
