A garden project undertaken by a group of people with learning disabilities has been classed as ‘Outstanding’ in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ section of the recent South West in Bloom competition. The group from Boscawen Farm near Blackwater transformed an overgrown patch of ground into a Sensory & Wildlife Garden as part of a horticultural course with Cornwall College.

Elly Dew, lecturer at Cornwall College who designed the garden and supported the group to carry out the work said ‘The garden incorporates a variety of textured surfaces, scented and textured planting and features such as outdoor musical instruments to stimulate the senses. The site also provides wildlife habitat for birds and insects and seating areas for people to sit and enjoy the space. Where possible we tried to re-use and recycle materials in the construction with features such as the glass bottle patio’.

Representatives of the group received their award from BBC Radio Cornwall’s Tracy Wilson in a presentation at the Farm on Friday 4th November.

'For a first time entry into the South West in Bloom ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Scheme’, Boscawen Farm is very deserving of its Outstanding Award’ Tracy commented ‘ To see such an incredible garden achieved from many people’s idea of rubbish is a lesson to everyone. Very well done to all the team at Boscawen Farm’.

The farm near Blackwater is run by registered charity Robert Owen Communities as a day opportunities site for people with learning disabilities. Manager Debbie Evans was delighted to learn of the award. ‘To be receive such a high level of award is great recognition for the amount of work that everyone put into the transformation of the garden. It has become a great addition to the site particularly as we work in partnership with the Sensory Trust to host visits for groups of people with sensory impairments and other disabilities.’

The group at Boscawen Farm is now creating a wheelchair accessible vegetable and fruit growing area. If you can help with fundraising or materials or for more details of the work of Robert Owen Communities ring 01872 560530 or email boscawen@roc-uk.org.