A feast for the senses as Mayor marks the official opening of Broughshane Sensory Garden

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, has officially opened a new Sensory Garden in Broughshane.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr McCaughey said: “This garden has transformed a disused green space and created a wonderful garden for children with a wide range of needs to enjoy.

“As well as a growing space, it contains specific areas to meet a range of needs - quiet, sensory, active - and wild areas to enhance biodiversity.

“Research shows us that getting outdoors in the fresh air and enjoying nature can have many longstanding health and wellbeing benefits. I am sure the new addition of the Sensory Garden will be a great addition for the children of Broughshane, particularly those with additional sensory needs.”

Designed by Whitehead woman, Janet Crymble, and constructed by The Conservation Volunteers, the garden includes new fencing and an access gate, sensory surfaces, mud kitchen, sensory play, raised beds, sensory pod and potting area and a range of sensory planting.

The garden will be developed further this winter with the planting of fruit trees.

Speaking at the opening, Kenny Henry of The Conservation Volunteers said:

“The Conservation Volunteers are delighted to have been invited to deliver this wonderful project for the children and young people of Broughshane.

“We have enjoyed working in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the legacy councils for many years.

“It is great to see the council delivering on its Community Plan commitments by providing quality green spaces which will improve health and wellbeing, and environmental and educational needs within the local community.”

The garden was made possible thanks to Access and Inclusion funding secured in 2020 from the Department for Communities. Council hope to deliver similar projects over the next year.

Lexie Scott, Chairman of the Community Association, said:

“This is a terrific new facility which I am sure generations of pre-school children and others will really appreciate. As a community we take great pride in our local environment and this garden will allow us to introduce our youngest community members to the joy of gardening and outdoor activities.”