Outdoor Learning and Horticultural Therapy for Individuals with Special Education Needs & Disabilities in Preston
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
At Let’s Grow Preston, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel part of their community.
For many young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), traditional learning environments can feel overwhelming. Outdoor spaces can offer something different — calm, practical environments where learning happens through doing.
Through our gardens and growing spaces, we provide safe, welcoming opportunities for young people with additional needs to develop confidence, life skills and independence.
A Supportive Environment for Learning
We work with individuals with themselves, schools, colleges, carers and families across Preston to support young people with a wide range of needs, including:
Autism (ASC)
Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
Moderate learning difficulties
Additional physical needs
Every individual is different, so our horticulture therapy sessions are designed to be flexible and supportive, allowing participants to work at their own pace.
Being outdoors often helps reduce anxiety and sensory overload, creating a calmer environment where learners feel able to engage.
Learning Through Practical Activities
Our sessions focus on hands-on outdoor activities that help develop both practical and personal skills.
Participants may take part in:
Planting, growing and harvesting crops
Working in polytunnels and garden spaces
Light gardening and maintenance tasks
Developing teamwork and communication skills
These activities help learners see the results of their work, building confidence, focus and a sense of achievement.
Sessions can also be adapted to suit the abilities, interests and goals of each group or individual.
Gardening as Horticultural Therapy
Many of the activities young people take part in during our sessions reflect the principles of horticultural therapy.
Horticultural therapy is the use of gardening and plant-based activities to support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Across the UK, it is increasingly recognised as a valuable way to help people build confidence, develop skills and improve their overall quality of life.
For young people with SEND, working with plants can provide a calm and structured environment where learning feels more natural and less pressured. Activities such as planting seeds, caring for crops and harvesting produce offer clear routines and visible results, which can be especially helpful for those who benefit from practical, hands-on learning.
Outdoor gardening sessions can support:
Emotional regulation and reduced anxiety
Focus and engagement
Confidence and independence
Sensory experiences that are grounding and calming
The natural rhythm of gardening — planting, caring for and watching things grow — allows participants to develop patience, responsibility and a sense of achievement.
While our sessions are not clinical therapy, many learners experience the therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors, working with plants and being part of a supportive community.
For many young people, this combination of nature, routine and encouragement can make a lasting difference.
Accessible Spaces for Everyone
We understand that accessibility is essential for meaningful participation.
Our sites are designed to support a wide range of needs and abilities. We work closely with schools, carers and support staff to ensure each visit is safe, comfortable and productive.
Support options include:
Visits for individuals or small groups
Teachers, carers or support staff attending sessions
Tasks adapted to suit different abilities
Low tables and adapted tools where needed
Full wheelchair access across all sites
Accessible toilets
Our aim is to create an environment where learners feel safe, supported and able to succeed.
Building Confidence and Life Skills
While gardening is the activity, the real outcomes go much deeper.
Taking part in outdoor horticulture therapy sessions can help young people develop:
Confidence and self-esteem
Independence and practical life skills
Engagement with learning
Communication and teamwork
Preparation for employment or further education
For many participants, the experience provides a bridge between education and the wider world, helping them build skills that support their future.
Why Outdoor Learning Works Well for Neurodiverse Learners
For many neurodiverse young people, traditional classroom environments can be challenging. Busy spaces, long periods of sitting, and abstract learning can sometimes make it harder for students to engage or feel confident.
Outdoor learning environments offer a different approach.
Gardens and growing spaces provide calm, practical settings where learning happens through experience rather than instruction alone. This can make a significant difference for learners who benefit from movement, sensory engagement, and hands-on activities.
In outdoor environments, learners can:
Move around freely rather than remaining seated
Engage with natural sensory experiences such as soil, plants and fresh air
Follow clear, practical tasks with visible outcomes
Work independently or alongside others at their own pace
Nature also provides a rhythm and structure that can feel predictable and reassuring. Tasks such as watering plants, harvesting vegetables or preparing soil create routines that many learners find grounding.
For some young people, this type of environment can reduce anxiety and make it easier to focus. For others, it offers the opportunity to build confidence through practical success rather than academic pressure.
At Let’s Grow Preston, we aim to create spaces where learners feel safe, supported and able to explore their abilities in their own way.
Outdoor sessions allow many young people to discover strengths they may not have had the chance to show in other settings.
A Real Experience from a Local School
A specialist autism school in Preston brought a group of learners to visit Let’s Grow Preston. After the session, they shared the following feedback:
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally and as an organisation for giving our learners the opportunity of valuable work experience, enhancing their academic outcomes and future life prospects. The first session started with a wonderful orientation walk led by Chris Taylor. The learner was put at ease immediately before being introduced to Donna, who explained the tasks for the day — picking ripe tomatoes in the polytunnel. The level of support offered to our learners was fantastic, which gave the pupils the confidence to take the task on independently. Throughout the time we spent there the pupils were fully engaged and enjoyed themselves immensely. Brookview School hope that we can utilise your amazing facility for the foreseeable future. It is an ideal resource that has a positive impact on the lives of our pupils and provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom.”
Feedback like this reminds us how valuable practical, real-world experiences can be for young people with additional needs. We regularly see the positive impact of outdoor learning on young people who visit our gardens. The feedback from schools and support staff highlights just how valuable these experiences can be.
For Schools, SENCOs and Support Teams
If you are a teacher, SENCO, support worker or parent looking for meaningful outdoor learning opportunities for young people with SEND, Let’s Grow Preston may be able to help.
Our gardens provide a calm and supportive environment where learners can develop practical skills, build confidence and experience the benefits of working outdoors.
We can support:
Small group visits
Work experience placements
Outdoor learning sessions
Enrichment activities linked to classroom learning
Sessions can be adapted to suit the needs of each group, and teachers or support staff are welcome to attend and provide additional support where needed.
We are always happy to discuss individual needs and explore how our sessions could work for your learners.
Arrange a Visit
The best way to understand what we do is to visit.
You are welcome to:
Drop by during our open hours to see the gardens
Arrange a visit for your school or group
Contact us to discuss how we might support your learners
We would be delighted to show you around and talk about how outdoor learning and gardening activities could benefit your students.
FAQ: Outdoor Learning & Horticultural Therapy for SEND in Preston
What is outdoor learning for SEND learners?
Outdoor learning for SEND learners in Preston uses gardens, polytunnels, and natural spaces to provide hands-on, practical education. It helps young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities build confidence, life skills, and independence while reducing anxiety and sensory overload.
How does horticultural therapy support SEND students?
Horticultural therapy in Preston involves structured gardening activities designed to support emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. For SEND students, it improves focus, emotional regulation, confidence, and practical life skills in a calm, supportive outdoor environment.
Which SEND needs can benefit from outdoor learning and gardening?
SEND outdoor learning at Let’s Grow Preston benefits learners with Autism (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, moderate learning difficulties, and additional physical needs. Each session is adapted to the individual’s abilities and goals.
What activities are included in SEND gardening sessions?
Learners participate in planting, growing, and harvesting crops, maintaining polytunnels and garden spaces, light gardening tasks, and teamwork exercises. These hands-on activities provide visible results, boost confidence, and develop practical skills.
Are the outdoor learning sessions accessible for all abilities?
Yes. Let’s Grow Preston provides fully accessible gardens with wheelchair access, adapted tools, low tables, accessible toilets, and tasks tailored to individual needs. Small group visits and one-to-one support are also available for SEND learners.
How does outdoor learning help neurodiverse learners?
Gardens offer neurodiverse learners a calm, sensory-rich environment where they can engage in structured, practical tasks. Outdoor learning supports focus, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence in a less pressured setting than traditional classrooms.
Can schools and parents participate in horticultural therapy sessions?
Absolutely. Schools, SENCOs, teachers, and parents can arrange small group visits, work experience placements, outdoor learning sessions, and enrichment activities linked to classroom learning. Sessions are adaptable to meet each learner’s needs.
How can I arrange a visit to Let’s Grow Preston?
You can visit during open hours, book a school or group visit, or contact us via 📧 letsgrowpreston@gmail.com to discuss tailored outdoor learning and horticultural therapy sessions for SEND learners in Preston.
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