A team from Amey have used their skills to help create a sensory garden and horticultural area 

Staff from Amey’s Energy Services Metering Division, based in Durham pledged to transform the grounds of our New Warlands Farm training centre that is based at Holmside, County Durham.

Over a two-week period they cleared pathways, ensuring all of the shrubbery was taken away and replaced with an open space for our adults to enjoy, including a horticulture area and a sensory garden.

Christine Dempster, Director of Education at the North East Autism Society said; “We strive to increase our links with the local community and continue to develop partnerships with local businesses. The project with Amey has brought real value and lasting benefits. The team have done a fantastic job, individuals who access this service now have a space that they can maintain and enjoy. This would not have been achieved without the help and support from the staff at Amey.”

Staff transformed the site by removing branches and tree trunks to create a path through woodland to a horticulture area. The sensory garden now features raised gardening beds, a rockery and also a relaxation area. Individuals who access New Warlands Farm will use this area to develop and maintain their vocational skills.

Trevor Freeman, Principal Operations Manager at Amey said; “The Project has been a great success involving more than 30 employees from Amey. We will continue to support the staff at New Warlands Farm site in anyway that we can to improve the environment for the individuals who use the sensory garden as a means of relaxation and part of their weekly routine. We see this as a beginning of a long-term relationship supporting the North East Autism Society. We would like to thank the contractors who kindly donated and supported the project.”