Sensory Trail

Follow this link to join the sensory trail

Scotswood Garden Sensory Trail

Slow down, look closer and discover Scotswood Garden through your senses

The Scotswood Garden Sensory Trail has been developed by Occupational Therapy students Emily Hammersley, Rachael Eastick and John McAuley during their Summer 2026 placement at the garden, working closely with the volunteers and staff who know and care for this special place.

The trail encourages visitors to slow down and notice the garden in different ways — looking, listening, smelling, touching and taking time to reflect on what they experience.

Visitors can explore using a printed leaflet and map, an audio guide or the interactive web app. The web app allows visitors to follow the trail, make notes, add photographs and drawings, and create their own downloadable sensory trail journal.

As the garden changes through the seasons, so will the experience of the trail. We hope visitors will come back again and again to discover something new.

The garden's brilliant team of volunteers have been at the heart of creating this project. They have brought enthusiasm, creativity, ideas and knowledge of the garden, as well as their physical hard work in creating and improving the spaces that form the trail. From clearing and transforming large areas of the garden to building new features and helping to create sensory experiences, their work has played a central role in bringing the trail to life. The garden's staff have also contributed greatly with their knowledge, ideas and support throughout the project.

This is very much a shared project, shaped and physically created by the people who know, care for and bring Scotswood Garden to life. We hope the trail will continue to grow and develop with the volunteers and staff long after our placement has come to an end. With huge thanks to Emily,  Rachael and John for creating this amazing resource for visitors.