Epic Sensory Garden Build for The Sheiling Ringwood School

WOODEN Spoon volunteers, fundraisers, Partner Clubs and staff joined ex-military mentors from Fusion Community Initiatives to deliver a much-needed sensory garden for The Sheiling Ringwood School and College, located in Ringwood, Hampshire. 

The Sheiling Ringwood is an independent, residential special school and college for up to 80 students aged 6-25 with severe, complex and moderate learning disabilities, including autism and communication difficulties. The Sensory Garden for the school was made possible through a grant of £25,000 provided by Wooden Spoon Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Coming together after so many months of COVID restrictions, the Fusion team could not be happier to be doing what they love best – bringing communities together and making a real difference to children’s lives.

“It was humbling to see the sheer number of volunteers that turned up on the Big Build Day to bring the project to fruition – from builders to company directors, comrades from the LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge team, and of course the amazing guys from Wooden Spoon.” – Fusion Community Initiatives.

Corine van Barneveld, The Sheiling Ringwood Principal said:

“The sensory garden build at the Sheiling has been amazing… to see our student’s faces yesterday, and the staff able to wander amongst the planters, the seating area and the pergola – it’s been really, really incredible, and we are so grateful.”

Jay O’Malley from Fusion Community Initiatives commented:

“For us it’s not just the end result, it’s the whole process of using our planning, organisational and communication skills learned from years of working in the military, to ensure each project is stream-lined and precise. Then the focus of the project day is on the teamwork, energy, and the sense of togetherness to create something quite amazing, and that’s what makes a real difference. It’s what makes each Fusion project unique and memorable.”

Sarah Webb, Wooden Spoon CEO said:

“Wooden Spoon would like to thank the School, all of the volunteers, Fusion and of course the Children for making the day truly memorable. It is imperative that we give our donors and supporters the opportunity to see the difference they make to the lives of so many children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland”

If you are interested in finding out more about how your organisation can get involved and take on a one day build please contact us on charity@woodenspoon.org.uk