Wanstead Cherry Tree Café opens vibrant sensory garden

The Cherry Tree Café in Wanstead, a social enterprise project by New City College, had its garden transformed from an "untidy" yard to an outdoor space where plants, herbs, and vegetables can grow.

A table was also created from the stump of the café's namesake cherry tree, which had to be removed, as a tribute.

Cllr Kam Rai cuts the ribbon to officially open Cherry Tree Café’s sensory garden (Image: Cherry Tree Cafe) The garden was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 8, by Redbridge Council leader councillor Kam Rai, who said: "The Cherry Tree is a lifeline for local college students with special educational needs.

"This new outdoor space will allow even more activities and social events to take place, including growing herbs and ingredients for the café.

"I want to thank the volunteers and staff who have brought it to life - it’s a great example of how strong communities and active local people make our borough thrive."

Daniel Windsor plants new cherry tree with Principal Jackie Mitchell and Cllr Kam Rai (Image: Cherry Tree Cafe) Attendees were also treated to afternoon tea and the planting of a new cherry tree by Mr Rai and college principal Jackie Mitchell.

The new garden features a sensory area with herbs and reeds to stimulate the senses.

It was made possible with the help of local businesses and community groups, who sponsored the project and provided materials.

The revamped garden offers sensory-rich, accessible space for all (Image: Cherry Tree Cafe)

Daniel Windsor Landscapes led the renovation, which included clearing hedgerows, raising soil beds, and extending a pergola.

The other businesses include Brett Landscaping, PGR, Travis Perkins, the Woodbine Day Centre, and the Wanstead Community Gardeners.

Ms Mitchell said: "The Cherry Tree Café is a brilliant social enterprise project where SEND students from New City College learn essential hospitality, preparation, cooking, and customer service skills in a real working environment.

"Our new garden enhances this experience, offering a fully accessible and sensory-rich space where the students can grow ingredients for the café menu, socialise with customers, and learn in a calm, natural setting.

"With the planting of the new cherry tree we have begun a new era.

"It symbolises growth in the community and for our current and future students.

"It is wonderful to be a part of these outstanding opportunities that New City College is bringing to all, especially to our SEND learners."

The café serves lunch, snacks, coffee, cake, and hot meals at reasonable prices.