Vale of Glamorgan Council's Flying Start team has opened a sensory and wellbeing garden to give families the opportunity to learn about nature and get their hands dirty growing vegetables and herbs.

Located at the Flying Start family centre on Gladstone Road in Barry the garden was the vision of Childcare Manager Joanne Flaherty who wanted show how much children can gain from being out in nature and help families learn together through outdoor play.

This vision was brought to life thanks to the skills of local specialists in outdoor learning Bespoke Creative Play and funding from Learning through Landscapes, Barry Town Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Local Nature Partnership.

The children who attend the childcare settings at the family centre will now be able to learn about nature by exploring the flowers, herbs and plants. Large wooden planters will allow the children to grow fruit, salad and vegetables to pick and take home. The garden is open to families that Flying Start work with so parents and carers are also able to help themselves to fresh produce to take home and cook with their children.

Children Playing with sensory items at Cadoxton Community Garden

Cllr Eddie Williams, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health who officially opened the garden, said: "We want the garden to be a fun, educational space where children can explore, develop and learn through their senses as well as an area that supports sustainability. It's not just about food, the team have installed bird feeders, bird baths and a hedgehog house so the children can watch wildlife visit the garden and learn about all the animals that the natural environment supports.

"There is a wealth of evidence that shows being outdoors can support both physical and mental health, as well as a general sense of wellbeing. The garden is screened from the road to ensure privacy. Our real hope is that as well as giving a space for children to learn the new garden will enable whole families to connect with nature."

A spokesperson for the Vale Local Nature Partnership said: "We are delighted to support Jo and the team at Flying Start with the creation of a new sensory garden, which will increase biodiversity and encourage nature and wildlife to flourish in the heart of the community.

"We hope this dedicated space will provide access for children and their families to experience the benefits of nature and improve health and wellbeing."