Help Blue Cross Suffolk Build a Sensory Garden

The Blue Cross do so much for animals in my native county of Suffolk – and they need help this summer to build a sensory garden!

This is really exciting stuff for the dogs at the centre on Bourne Hill in Wherstead, as it will keep them stimulated while they wait for their forever homes.

The sensory garden, which will include a sand pit and tunnels, will be divided into three sections which will help build the dogs’ confidence while at the centre and for when they are out and about in their new homes.

Section 1:

This is for dogs who are a little nervous, so they need to start small. They’ll learn about what it feels like to walk on different surfaces like sand and shingle, which might help them enjoy trips to the beach in future.

Section 2:

This is the intermediate area, for dogs who have explored a little but need encouragement. Here, the dogs would be introduced to different surfaces like wooden bridges, or simple obstacles like a ribbon tunnel.

Section 3:

More adventurous dogs will enjoy section 3, as these dogs will need more stimulus. They’ll be able to enjoy noodle walks, boulder paths and narrow gates, perfect for gearing them up for countryside strolls with their new owner.

Blue Cross Suffolk

The Blue Cross in Suffolk has helped over 1146 dogs since their new centre opened in 2016.

They receive no government funding, and because of this they are hoping people can donate some of the following equipment to help them build this garden:

Digger (and Digger Operator)
Play sand
Bark
Shingle (P Grade)
Concrete (Quick Set)
Cobblestone
Cones
Pallets
Logs
Top Soil
Cable Drum Reels
Ratchet Straps
MDPE Pipe
Swimming Pool Noodle
Wood lengths
Plastic bags
Membrane
Rope
Chain
Decking Screws
Fence Posts
Outdoor paint (white and blue)

Image @bluecrosssuffolk

A team of more than 50 local RAF staff from Wattisham have already volunteered to help the Blue Cross team put together the garden, which will help dogs at the rehoming centre to become more confident.

If you can help provide any of the materials needed for the sensory garden then please contact Blue Cross Suffolk directly on 0300 777 1480 or by emailing Suffolk@bluecross.org.uk

Mr Plant Geek

Michael has been involved with gardening and plants since he was just five years old. He is a self-professed Plant Geek, and was listed in the Sunday Times top 20 most influential people in the gardening world, thanks to his plant hunter role at Thompson & Morgan.

Michael was responsible for new plant introductions such as the Egg and Chips plant and the FuchsiaBerry and keeps busy travelling the world in search of new plants as well as lecturing worldwide, including stints in Japan. He is very active on social media – so why not give him a follow at @mr_plantgeek or Facebook – and writes a plant-focused Substack called Grow This, Not That.