4th November 2021

Bristol school opens sensory garden with help from local housebuilders

A school in Lawrence Weston, Bristol has opened a new sensory garden to help promote the pupils’ wellbeing and mental health.

Oasis Academy Bank Leaze, also known locally as ‘the blue school on the hill’, was helped to set up the garden by housing association and housebuilder Curo and their contractor Jehu Group.

Curo is working with Jehu to deliver 57 new affordable homes for social and affordable rent and shared ownership at The Willows, a residential development near the school.

The materials and labour for the planters as well as all the plants were donated by Curo and Jehu as part of their joint commitment to support communities and make a positive contribution to the neighbourhoods they work in.

Students from Year 1 and Year 2 were helped by Curo and Jehu colleagues to plant the garden with low ferns, rose bushes, ornamental grasses, coloured heathers and some herbs.

Curo Sales Manager, Paula Beel, says: “Supporting local communities where we build much-needed new homes is part of Curo’s purpose – Homes for Good.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve all rediscovered how powerful nature can be in helping us to maintain and improve our well-being and mental health. We’re really pleased that, alongside our contractor Jehu, we were able to help the school create this lovely garden for their children to enjoy every day.”

Jehu Project Manager, Tomasz Magiera, says: “We’re proud to work with Curo at The Willows, delivering much-needed new affordable homes in Lawrence Weston, and supporting community initiatives that benefit local residents. It’s great to see how much the children are already enjoying the new garden and we’re proud we could come together and use our strength as a force for good in society.”

Oasis Academy Bank Leaze teacher, Georgina Fitz-Gerald, says: “The children loved planting and tending to the garden. They’re really excited about watering the plants to help them grow and look forward to seeing how they will change over the seasons.

“At our school, we try to use the outdoors as much as possible to teach our children about nature and the environment, and to promote their mental health. We’re over the moon with our new garden and I’m certain it will be enjoyed by the kids for many years to come.”

The Willows is a 100% affordable housing development, including 19 homes for sale through the part-rent/part-buy scheme, shared ownership. The development will be completed by the end of 2022.

For more information about The Willows visit www.curo-group.co.uk/the-willows. For shared ownership, go to www.curo-sales.co.uk/shared-ownership.