This development has been on the respite agenda for a long time as staff strive to create a stimulating outdoor area with many therapeutic benefits. This much needed revamp will support the quality of service provided to all service users that avail of respite support.

A sensory garden is a self contained area that concentrates on a wide range of sensory experiences; they draw the service users into touch, smell and actively experience the garden with all senses. The idea of a sensory garden is that plants, hard landscaping and other garden materials and features are selected for their appeal to all five senses with the aim of offering a richer and perhaps more therapeutic experience to individuals with disability. For example, encouraging the development of certain sensory abilities like smell and touch, or creating a protected, interesting place for individuals with disabilities who may enjoy being, working and socialising outdoors.

External spaces and environmental learning can provide opportunities for observation, investigation and problem solving, while providing a stimulating experience that may influence their behaviours and development. Research suggests that in disability services the richness of the visual, auditory and tactile stimuli that multisensory gardens can offer is invaluable.