A fun, educational garden space designed to inspire outdoor play and learning was opened in Hereford by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Sue Boulter – thanks to a grant from the Prime Foundation.
A fun, educational garden space designed to inspire outdoor play and learning was opened in Hereford on 3 April 2019 by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Sue Boulter – thanks to a grant from the Prime Foundation.
The ‘Home Garden’ at Saxon Hall Community Centre features a mud kitchen with mud and sand, a sensory table, water experiences and raised beds for planting, all within a dedicated, fenced off area. First to make mud pies were tots from the Stay and Play group that visit the centre every Wednesday.
The Saxon Hall Community Centre is a focal point for the local area and – in addition to the Stay and Play group – is home to holiday workshops, the Phoenix Bereavement service and the Herefordshire branch of the National Autistic Society. Last year, the Centre applied to the Prime Foundation for funding to create a safe and educational outdoor space for the many young visitors it hosts, to encourage outdoor play and a connection with nature.
Saxon Hall Centre Manager Donna Kemp said: “Outdoor play is really important for the healthy growth and development of a child, as it promotes cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing experiences. Our Home Garden project will inspire more young people to embrace outdoor play and explore the natural environment around them, while learning and having lots of fun.”
Heather Alexander from Prime Foundation said: “The transformation of the outdoor space here into the Home Garden has been incredible, and we hope that it provides a safe, educational and therapeutic space for the many young people visiting the centre both now and in years to come. We are very proud to have been involved in the project and that our contribution has enabled such positive changes for this community.”
Click here for more information about the Prime Foundation and how the charitable organisation is helping to deliver local projects that improve health and wellbeing in communities across the country.
