THE town's two Rotary Clubs are teaming up to help create a wildlife-friendly sensory garden in Rudheath.

Northwich and Northwich Vale Royal Rotary Clubs are working with social care and welfare charity Making Space, and the Butterfly Conservation organisation on the project at James House, in James Street.

The scheme is designed to benefit those living at the residence, which accommodates adults with learning disabilities or mental health conditions, and has benefitted from almost £1,000 of fundraising.

Mike Beddard, from James House, provided the inspiration for the project.

"Our support staff have been talking to, and working alongside some of our service users who really enjoy gardening and relaxing in the courtyard area," he said.

"It's clear that working in the garden can be a real opportunity for some of our residents, providing purpose, relaxation and most importantly an opportunity for social interaction."

Rotary Club Northwich Vale Royal has donated £250 for the scheme, in addition to £200 which it previously allocated, while Northwich Rotary Club has donated £250, matched by a further £250 from the Haselhurst Trust.

Rupert Adams, education officer for Butterfly Conservation, will meet with support staff and residents this autumn to discuss proposals and seek their involvement for the whole project.

Using his experience of creating and managing community wildlife gardens Rupert will help residents design, buy materials and plants, and create a sensory garden that is wildlife friendly, especially for pollinating insects and butterflies

Rupert, who is also a member of Northwich Rotary Club, added: "This is an exciting project that has the potential to benefit both the residents and wildlife. It's at the heart of what Rotary is about – making a difference."