Soft Landscaping, Polden Bower School

idverde has completed the soft landscaping and ongoing maintenance of the grounds at Polden Bower School in Bridgwater, delivering an outdoor environment designed to stimulate the senses while providing a safe and inclusive space for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The project centred on the creation of a sensory landscape where colour, texture, sound and seasonal planting encourage exploration and interaction with nature. Sensory gardens are recognised for their therapeutic benefits, particularly for children with autism, ADHD and other sensory processing needs, helping to support wellbeing, learning and everyday outdoor experiences.

Designing the landscape required careful consideration of safety and accessibility. Planting layouts avoided sharp corners, steep level changes and areas where pupils could become hidden from view. Plant heights were carefully selected to maintain visibility across the site, while secure fenced zones enabled children of different ages and needs to enjoy outdoor spaces safely.

To minimise disruption during school hours, idverde worked closely with the school leadership team to develop a tailored maintenance strategy. The site was divided into operational zones, allowing maintenance activities to be scheduled around pupil use and, where necessary, undertaken outside normal school hours.

Biodiversity was a key objective throughout the project. Native tree species including hawthorn, ash, birch and holly were selected to provide habitat and food sources for birds, butterflies, moths and other wildlife. Willow trees were introduced along key pedestrian routes, offering year-round visual interest through their colourful winter stems while providing durable planting suited to high-use areas.

The planting scheme also incorporated ornamental grasses chosen for their movement, texture and seasonal variation, creating a dynamic sensory experience while remaining resilient and easy to maintain.

To further enhance ecological value, parts of the landscape are managed under a long grass regime, with annual cutting encouraging the gradual development of self-sustaining habitats that support a wider diversity of native flora and fauna over time.

The completed landscape demonstrates how thoughtful design and long-term management can create outdoor environments that simultaneously enhance education, wellbeing, accessibility and biodiversity.