A NATIONAL Trust site near Malvern has scooped a prestigious award for its sensory trail designed for children with disabilities.
Croome recently won the ‘Best Educational Initiative’ award at the 15th Museums and Heritage Awards for its ‘Potter and Ponder’ trail, which encourages those with disabilities to explore its parkland through a sensory experience.
Four groups with wide ranging special needs collaborated with the National Trust to create the Potter and Ponder map, which takes youngsters on a trail that allows them to feel the leaves and bark on different trees, smell a variety of flowers and walk barefoot on grass.
The Museums and Heritage Awards’ judging panel described Potter and Ponder as a remarkable, creative and innovative story of engaging children with severe learning difficulties.
Regarded as the Oscars of the museums and heritage industry, the awards recognise innovators and leaders of heritage visitor attractions.
The National Trust also scooped the ‘Special Recognition Award’ at the ceremony, for its creativity in visitor engagement, growth in visitor figures and fostering of creative partnerships.
Michael Forster-Smith, Croome’s general manager, said: “It’s wonderful our Potter and Ponder scheme has received national recognition for its innovative approach to education.
“The team responsible, led by Katherine Alker and Rachel Sharpe, worked alongside local schools and families to create a trail designed to share our park with children with a broad range of special needs.
“The outcome was an enriching and fun trail, focusing on a sensory approach to enjoying Croome’s landscape.
“Well done to all involved in making Potter and Ponder such a success.
“This award is richly deserved.”
Dame Helen Ghosh, director general of the National Trust, added: “We’re enormously lucky for the support we receive.
“It allows us to spend more time than ever on conservation that teaches and inspires.”
Croome’s park and lakeside are open from 10am to 5.30pm and Croome Court is open from 11am to 4.30pm every day.
Call the National Trust site on 01905 371006 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome to apply or for more information.
