Over 600 girl guides design sensory garden in Stone thanks to London Northwestern Railway

A new sensory garden supporting mental health, wellbeing and education has been set up by 600 girl guides in Staffordshire thanks to funding from London Northwestern Railway.

Designed during Girlguiding Staffordshire’s International Camp, Unity 2022, the wellbeing and sensory garden can be used as relaxation zone at Kibblestone Campsite, near Stone.

The garden is a haven for people to learn the benefits of and how to look after herbs and plants that thrive in the UK.

Hundreds of girls across Staffordshire and the UK aged over 10 took part at the camp earlier this month.

The initiative was made possible thanks to a grant from London Northwestern Railway’s “Your Community, Your Fund” scheme. The funding is provided by the Department for Transport (DfT) and allocated by LNR and sister company West Midlands Railway to projects across the network.

The Kibblestone project is designed to develop new community connections and programmes, have a positive impact at stations and contribute to the recovery of passenger numbers on the railways.

Alice Hopton, joint camp leader, said:

"Girlguiding Staffordshire are very grateful for the support and contribution received from London Northwestern Railway. 

"The Sensory Garden project was a youth led opportunity for our young people to learn new skills and about the natural world around them whilst creating a well-being space to be enjoyed by all visitors to Kibblestone."

Vicky Cropper-Clarke, head of stakeholder and community at London Northwestern Railway, said:

“Kibblestone Campsite is now home to a wonderful sensory garden thanks to the brilliant work of girl guides.

“The sensory garden is a great example of how the Your Community Your Fund scheme has such a positive impact on so many people.”

For more information about ‘Your Community, Your Fund’, visit Your Community. Your Fund. | LNR | London Northwestern Railway