04 Jun 2025
A new sensory trail has been unveiled at Hamelin’s Sutton Farm site in Rochford.
The vibrant addition to our outdoor space was unveiled at a special event that brought together members of our community, the people we support, as well as volunteers and funders who made the project possible.
Designed with inclusivity at its core, the sensory trail offers a unique outdoor experience tailored for autistic individuals, people with learning disabilities, and those living with dementia. It’s a safe, engaging, and accessible environment that encourages movement, exploration, and a deeper connection with nature.
Thanks to generous funding from Active Essex and Ford, and the dedication of volunteers who helped to create the space, the trail now links our Gowlands and Roots & Shoots gardens. Along the way, visitors can enjoy interactive sensory stations, a beautifully painted pathway featuring activity prompts, and a calming array of sensory plants that stimulate the senses while promoting relaxation and well-being.
The trail also offers hands-on opportunities for the people we support to get involved in horticulture and maintenance, developing skills and confidence while contributing to the ongoing care of the space.
Hamelin Chair of Trustees, Graham Woodham, said it was a fantastic addition to the gardens and thanked all those involved.
He said: “We’re incredibly proud of the partnerships that have brought this project to life. Thanks to funding from Active Essex and Ford UK, as well as the creative efforts of volunteer artists and community members, we’ve been able to build something special.
“These collaborations are at the heart of everything we do, combining financial support, hands-on volunteering, and shared vision to make real change possible.”
Representatives from Active Essex and Essex County Council were also in attendance to present a plaque to commemorate the work with Cllr Lee Scott, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration cutting the ribbon to open the trail.
He said: “This project is about people coming together with a shared commitment to making a real difference. While financial support from Active Essex has been crucial, it’s the passion and dedication of every individual involved that has truly brought this facility to life.
“What’s been created here is remarkable, and it stands as a model for what can be achieved through collaboration and community effort. The pathway and sensory garden aren’t just physical spaces, they represent opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that everyone should have the chance to reach their full potential. I can say this truly is a powerful and inspiring example of what’s possible.”