The Garden of Dreams is growing into the space carved out of unused land at the Child Development Centre in Kempston, and council staff and councillors joined volunteers, staff and young people to help with the latest part of the project.
The garden is a project which first began in 2022, when children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were asked what would be included in their “dream garden” - and their creativity didn’t disappoint.
So far it already features a sunken trampoline, nest swing, immersive sand play, mud kitchen, inclusive climbing frame, stream, jungle adventure track and a lookout tower.
And last month the green-fingered volunteers dug in, to plant an amazing array of herbs, edibles and a jungle.
The Child Development Centre, in Hill Rise, is a centre of excellence for services for children with developmental needs and disabilities from across north and mid-Bedfordshire. A wide range of professionals from health, education and Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum are based at, or visit the centre.
Cllr Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families, Children's Services said; “The garden will be used by children and young people with SEND, their families and therapists and teachers from the Child Development Centre.
“But we have ambitions to use it in a wider context too, with ‘Special Saturdays’ and ‘Stay and Play’ events, as well as to support wellbeing.
“It was inspiring to have so many people taking part in our Planting For Pleasure day, including young people who use the centre, and people from The Friends of the CDC, Brewpoint, and Early Help, students from the SSG, as well as NHS staff.”
Cllr Walker added; “If you want to experience the garden with your own children or young people who have SEND, or if you are keen gardener and want to help us care for the space, please get in touch and we can try to make your dream a reality too! Email EYST@bedford.gov.uk.”
Find out more about the Child Development Centre at https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/directory/service.page?id=TnDOQoR7b00