Always on
This project successfully funded on 11th June 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Blue Cross Sheffield Sensory Garden Fundraiser
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
Aim: Blue Cross Sheffield has an underused garden. I have volunteered to turn this space into a sensory garden for animals arriving in the centre
The Blue Cross are a charity who've been helping sick, injured, and homeless pets since 1897. They provide vet care, pet food banks, rehoming support, behavioural advice, and more.
The Sheffield Rehoming, Advice and Behaviour unit in S7 has an underused outdoor space next to the main buildings. I am planning to volunteer to help turn this space into a sensory garden for animals arriving in the centre, to help support their rehabilitation and offer environmental enrichment.
South Yorkshire: Sheffield rehoming, advice and behaviour unit | Blue Cross
The aim of the garden is twofold:
- A place for newly-arrived dogs to exercise and have some freedom to run, sniff, and generally learn how to be dogs again after sometimes quite-distressing times;
- A place to grow forage plants for small furry animals (rabbits, guinea-pigs, etc.) arriving at the facility, to help with the ongoing running cost.
But what has this got to do with me, I hear you ask? Well, we're in need of a few things:
The aim of the garden is twofold:
- A place for newly-arrived dogs to exercise and have some freedom to run, sniff, and generally learn how to be dogs again after sometimes quite-distressing times;
- A place to grow forage plants for small furry animals (rabbits, guinea-pigs, etc.) arriving at the facility, to help with the ongoing running cost.
- Plants! The budget for this whole project is entirely being self-funded by Alison, so is very tight. If you, or anyone you know, has a garden or allotment, and is growing any dog or otherwise pet-friendly plants - we would *love* seedlings, cuttings, or even just seeds! Spare/old pots, compost, mulch, etc., would also be helpful.
- Help! Are you available for volunteering between June 5th – June 9th (note, 7th is a Saturday)? We'd love to have you along. Please note this volunteering will involve physical activity and manual labour. We can’t *promise* the sight of cute animals, but there's always a chance
- And finally, Donations! - I know money is tight for everyone, but as I am am funding this myself I really do need as much help as I can get and Aviva will match cash donations!
But there are many other ways to help! I will be turning any WOW’s I get into B&Q gift cards to help the costs. Or if you have any physical items you could donate like food or toys!
Now, on to what i will actually be doing.......
Space;
- I am looking to buy trellises to attach to the fences. As it stands at the moment, the garden backs onto a main road which can be busy. Traffic can cause anxiety for the dogs, so am looking to enclose the area and create more shade.
Engage the senses;
Smell;
- I am looking to plant non toxic scented plants such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil and chamomile.
Scent Stations;
- Hidden scent boxes and scented wooden logs around the garden.
Touch;
Surfaces;
- Incorporate a variety of grass, sand and bark.
Sight;
Colourful Plants;
- Dogs see blues and yellows best.
Safe Decorations;
- Bamboo windchimes and hanging toys.
Sound;
- Water features (gentle bubbling or flowing water)
- Bamboo Chimes
- Interactive toys
Taste;
- Edible plants such as blueberries, strawberries, carrots and wheatgrass.
- Herbs such as mint and parsley.
Along with this I will also be building a ‘Rabbit Patch’ to grow salads, herbs and fruits to feed the many small animals that the Blue Cross take care of.
Again, this is going to be a huge challenge. What have i got myself into?! But i know this is going to have a lasting impact for Blue Cross Sheffield and help a lot of animals that are in desperate need.