Completed project
Creating a safe, peaceful and accessible dementia-friendly garden in East Ayrshire.
Overview and funding
We worked in partnership with Cumnock Action Plan to deliver this dementia-friendly space for the local community over two phases.
Phase 1 was supported by Life Changes Trust, Awards for All, EB Scotland, East Ayrshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund, Corra Foundation, Shire Housing Association and the Mushroom Trust.
Phase 2 was supported by East Ayrshire Council Place Based Investment Programme, East Ayrshire Council Renewable Energy Fund, Scottish Government, Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, and Council of Voluntary Organisations (East Ayrshire) Ltd.
What was achieved
The project delivered multiple outcomes across these key areas:
The space has been enhanced with sculptures, colourful seating and sensory planting and is accessed via paths suited to those with impaired mobility.
The dementia-friendly space means activities can be delivered safely outside, bringing benefits to the quality of life of Cumnock’s ageing population.
In addition to the tree and bulb planting, the wildflower meadow provides foraging and habitat for pollinators.
Cumnock Action Plan identified the need for a dementia-friendly space, given Cumnock’s ageing population with more than 25% over 60 years old. It is estimated that dementia affects one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80 in the UK.
While there are a small number of organisations in Cumnock that cater for the elderly, most of these are based indoors. Cumnock Action Plan decided to lease the site from the council to take forward their idea for a welcoming and accessible outdoor space. Together we have created a space where activities can be delivered safely outside in a natural environment, providing benefits to quality of life and mental and physical health and well-being.
Within the garden there are sculptures, planting, dementia-friendly seating and a series of exercise posts, designed by Paths for All specifically for those with dementia. These are simple exercises that when combined with a walk, will help to keep users active, happy and healthy in older age.
In phase 2, a further zone was created with a central pergola and raised planters. Sensory colourful planting and wildflower meadow provide sensory cues as tools for reminiscence, creating a familiar, relaxing and safe space. It also creates a colourful and interesting space for the local community and provides habitat and forage for pollinators and other wildlife.
Coloured benches have been installed, which provide space to rest and connect with nature and also support navigation of the site by those with dementia.
Cumnock Memory Garden
We managed the two project phases from inception to completion. Browse the gallery to see how the space evolved and explore some of the key features.
Mown grass area
After Phase 1 completed
Construction begins
Installation
Colourful seating & planting
The central feature of the phase 1 garden is the artwork “Reading Between the Lines”; three granite sculptures engraved with different surface pattern designs inspired by the stories and recollections of the people of Cumnock.
In early 2021, the design studio Bespoke Atelier engaged with a wide range of local people, senior citizens groups and people with dementia to gather stories, memories and recollections of old Cumnock. Through these conversations a number of themes emerged that have influenced the pattern and form of these sculptures.
“Reading Between the Lines” references the lines carved into the landscape from the mining and farming industries. These industries dominate the history books and ultimately led to the town’s expansion and development over the years, but when reading between the lines of this well-known history, we discover the stories and memories of local people, the lives they lived and the true history of the town.
From feasibility studies to forests, grant management to greenspace, we can help to make your project a reality. It all starts with a conversation, so contact us now to get started.
