A sensory courtyard garden is being created at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) thanks to a £45,204 grant from the Greener Communities Fund.

DCH's sustainability team applied for the funding to turn a disused courtyard opposite Special Care Dentistry into a sensory courtyard garden for patients, staff and visitors to use.

The Greener Communities Fund supports the creation or improvement of green spaces to benefit the health and wellbeing of people with limited access to green space.

Bev Lagden, Sustainability Manager at Dorset County Hospital said: "We are delighted to receive this funding. It will allow us to transform a neglected courtyard into a beautiful tranquil space, so that people can take a break and spend some time in a peaceful garden that stimulates their senses."

DCH is committed to maximising the positive social value impact that it has on local communities. The Trust will be working with local organisations Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester Men's Shed and Little Green Change on the planting plan for the garden area, which will also include new doors and the ground will be made level too for disabled access.

Jo Howarth, Director of Nursing at Dorset County Hospital, said: "Whether you're a patient, staff member or visiting a loved one, it's important to be able to step away from the busy, and sometimes overwhelming, hospital environment and take a moment. We also know that nature can have a positive impact has on people's physical and mental health and aid recovery, so we're looking forward to creating this new space."

Teddy Reynolds, horticulture student at Kingston Maurward College and part of the project team, said: "It gives me the unique opportunity to be part of a professional design project. I am getting an insight into how a project is run and all the processes that are involved to develop and execute a complete garden design. It enables me to give something back to the local community."

The garden is due to open later in 2024.