Esh Civils volunteering project sees creation of school sensory garden

A Sunderland school has benefitted from Esh’s commitment to delivering social value as part of the SSTC3 scheme.

Esh Construction’s civil engineering division, Esh Civils, has partnered with Broadway Junior School to deliver a volunteering project that will create a positive legacy from its work in Sunderland.  

Delivered as a result of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor Phase 3 (SSTC3) development, volunteers from Esh Civils have used their volunteering hours to create a sensory garden within the school grounds. The project commenced in November 2019 after Year 3 teacher, John McCabe, contacted Esh, informing us of the work he was currently undertaking himself and what he would like to create in the school gardens.  

At an initial visit to the school by Steve Garrigan, SSTC3 Project Director — John was able to share his design and vision to transform the space into an area which would develop and meet the children’s educational needs with a particular focus on the environment. Through a total of 64 volunteering hours, Esh has worked in collaboration to create an educational and peaceful space for the school children, bringing John’s vision to life.  

With materials donated from the SSTC3 scheme, coupled with the use of renovated and recycled existing garden furniture, the project has seen the creation of a new sensory garden path, seating area, recycled station, and herb garden. The final touches to the transformation come from colourful pebbles which were uniquely decorated by the children and are now set into the sensory garden path.  

Speaking about the volunteering project, John said: “I’m absolutely delighted with what we have achieved and with the support from Esh. We have created a wonderful space where children can learn in the outdoors and hopefully develop a better understanding of the nature in our school environment. 

Thanks to Mr McCabe’s vision and the support from Esh, we now have a beautiful outdoor area that is perfect for learning, socialising and mindfulness. This garden really will make a difference for our children and I’d like to thank Mr McCabe and Esh for bringing this dream to life.”

Claire Johnson, Headteacher at Broadway Junior School