Blackpool Community Green Space Initiative to Enhance Sensory Gardens for the Sight Impaired
Blackpool is to get a new multi-purpose community green space, with a special emphasis on stunning sensory gardens, and gardening opportunities for the sight impaired.
The extensive grounds at N-Vision – the Fylde Coast’s sight loss charity based at Squires Gate – are to be transformed by social and environmental regeneration organisation Groundwork CLM (Cheshire, Lancashire and Manchester).
The two charities have joined forces to turn the grounds into a versatile community asset, including creating a place where people with low vision can feel safe, included and involved.
N-Vision CEO Maria Kirkland explained: “As demand for our services are set to increase dramatically in the coming years, it made a great deal of sense to use our large gardens as a space for new, innovative activities. That includes sensory areas for relaxation, but also opportunities for people of all ages with sight impairments to learn new skills, grow their own vegetables, enjoy outdoor sports, and socialise for example.
“However, opening these opportunities to the wider community is equally important; not least as integration and inclusion matter to our charity.
“We are very excited to be launching this development in conjunction with Groundwork, who have done such amazing work at The Grange in Blackpool. Groundwork believes in building capacity and resilience, reducing inequality and enabling people to lead healthier, happier lives. Those principles dovetail with our ethos brilliantly.”
Jon Hutchinson, Director at Groundwork, added: “N-Vision is a fantastic charity with a long history in Blackpool. The aim of transforming the gardens into an inclusive, accessible and multi-purpose space aligns perfectly with Groundwork’s mission to create greener, healthier, and more connected communities.
“It’s inspiring to see a project that not only supports people with sight loss to build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors—but also brings the wider community together in a spirit of inclusion and shared purpose. At Groundwork, we’ve seen firsthand how access to nature, community activity, and green spaces can positively impact wellbeing and resilience. This partnership is a fantastic example of how organisations working together can create real, lasting change.”
The team from Groundwork will first work with N-Vision to recruit volunteers for the project, including local companies happy to provide staff or materials for a new community greenspace. There will also be meeting in early September to pool ideas, and set up a working group. It is hoped that will include local residents from the Squires Gate area too. The next step would then be to map out the development using the skills of a landscape architect.
