Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside opens charity's sensory trail
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BARNSTONDALE'S 1st ever sensory trail was officially opened by its Patron; Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead (DBE) on Wednesday 1 April. Around 70 invited guests, who included Lord Mayor of Wirral, Cllr. Steve Foulkes, and those who helped fund and develop the space, were the 1st to explore the completed garden, which has been designed specifically for children of all abilities to enjoy.
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Barnstondale is located within a rural setting and is surrounded by over 12 acres of woodland. The trail provides a relaxing and stimulating outdoor space, aimed at engaging visitors with the environment around them. The first phase of the project began in April last year and was completed that Autumn. A garden was created that features a sheltered decking, stone path, water features and huge planters filled with perennial foliage plants, chosen specifically for the smells and textures. Local tradesmen then began work installing the trail, which includes textures, surfaces, musical instruments and balance ramps. Large animal statues and hand crafted seats complete the experiential element.
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Barnstondale is a family friendly activity facility and overnight
getaway destination. The charity hosts many families, groups, schools and
charity organisations for away days and activity breaks. Whilst fortunate that
visitor fees cover overhead costs, the charity relies heavily on donations and
fundraising to pay for new projects and improvement work. Barnstondale received
funding from various donors for this specific project. They include Wirral
Lions, Santander, Camelia Trust and Wirral Fund for Children with Special Needs.
Commented George Jones, centre manager at Barnstondale:- "Barnstondale's
aim is to be accessible to everyone. We've created a space that is designed for
all our visitors to enjoy and it is a great way for them to experience the local
rural environment. The garden and sensory trail is an exciting development for Barnstondale,
and it's one that all the team is very proud of. We are always looking to
develop and improve our facilities, enabling us to offer services that modern
customers want and enhancing the visitor's experience. We hope to include
elements of the trail to other parts of the site in the future."
Commented Dame Lorna Muirhead (DBE), Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside
and Barnstondale Patron:- "It is an honour to be Patron of Barnstondale,
which has stood as a charity in one form or another for over 100 years. What I
find most charming about this inspirational place is that the sun never sets at
Barnstondale and the team is always busy working on the next development. The
children who come here are always active, always playing and always smiling. I
am an advocate for social inclusion and child development, which Barnstondale
excels at. It gives me great pleasure to have opened this sensory trail on
behalf of the charity, which marks another significant moment in its history."
For more information about Barnstondale visit:-
Barnstondale.Org.
