Volunteers from Oxford North have come together to deliver a major community project at Wolvercote Primary School and the nearby Wolvercote Young People’s Club, creating a new sensory garden and revitalising youth facilities through a collaborative effort with construction partners.
In August last year, teams from Oxford North, alongside partners Mace, Maylim, Careys, LockMetal and The Hill Group, volunteered their time to transform both sites. The initiative saw the creation of a brand-new SEND sensory garden at Wolvercote Primary School, alongside improvements to the Young People’s Club building and outdoor spaces.
Designed by landscape contractor Maylim, which worked with Mace on Oxford North’s Fallaize Park, the sensory garden provides a safe and nurturing environment for children with special educational needs.
The space allows pupils to explore textures, smells and sounds that support learning and wellbeing, while also functioning as an outdoor classroom and calm recreational area. Climate-resistant plants used in Fallaize Park have also been planted in the garden, helping to create a sense of continuity for children when they visit the wider development.
Improvements at Wolvercote Young People’s Club have resulted in refreshed grounds that now offer a welcoming and vibrant environment for young people and families. Over the course of two weeks, 43 volunteers contributed more than 531 hours to deliver the projects, demonstrating how place-based volunteering can create meaningful social value.
Mandy Hayes, headteacher, Wolvercote Primary School said:
“We’re seeing more children with complex needs, and this sensory garden will make a huge difference for them. It provides a safe, dedicated space where they can be themselves, explore the world in new ways, and develop their confidence.
“Without the generosity of partners and volunteers, we could never have achieved this within our school budget. It’s heartening to see people give their time and energy for our children – it shows what can happen when the community comes together to help.”
Victoria Collett, development director, Thomas White Oxford, said:
“Oxford North isn’t just about creating buildings – it’s about becoming part of the community. By working with Wolvercote Primary School and the Young People’s Club, we’ve been able to support local families and contribute to the life of this wonderful place.”
The project, led by Oxford North Ventures, forms part of its wider Engage programme and totalled £12,000 for materials, generating £79,361 in social value according to Mace’s social value calculator.
