Trees have been planted to create a pleasant place for students to study.

A Sensory Garden at Colchester Institute’s Sheepen Road campus is being part-funded by a £25,000 council grant. The remainder is coming from local employers.

In addition to trees, the garden will also feature sculptures created by college faculties including brickwork and carpentry. Students from other courses, including art and design, will also make contributions.

Borough council deputy leader Tim Young planted a palm tree to mark the £25,000 given from Colchester Council’s Big Choice Award Scheme.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see the sensory garden taking shape, and I am so pleased that the Big Choice scheme has been able to support projects like this. I am really looking forward to coming back later in the year.”

College executive vice-principal Gary Horne said: “This project will be another addition to the raft of improvements we have made to student break out areas over the last few years. Our vibrant campus is going to be further developed with a range of works planned over this summer to further enhance the student experience at Colchester Institute. It’s a great place to work and study.”

Colchester builders merchant Collier and Catchpole contributed block paving to the scheme. It also praised the institute as a leading educator of those wishing to work in building and construction.

Managing director Tim Rowbottom said: “These students will be our employees of the future as well as our potential customers. We are proud to be able to collaborate in this project and the development of such a positive learning environment.”