A new £60,000 accessible sensory garden is taking shape at Hollingworth Lake Country Park, which promises to deliver a diverse and balanced sensory experience to engage the senses.
Work began in 2023 thanks to initial funding from the Pennines Township of £27,500 to kick off the vision created by DK Garden Designs.
The garden, adjacent to the new café at the former visitor centre site, will include many elements to stimulate and engage all five senses, allowing visitors to experience nature in a unique and immersive way.
Various colours, shapes, and fragrances feature heavily in the design, which will be brought to life through different flowers and foliage.
A woodland walk and wide stone pathways made from non-slip materials will allow access for wheelchair users, and raised flower beds will provide easy access for all ages and abilities.
Plants and wind chimes will create sounds and movement, plus touchable elements such as sculptures, willow structures, and an orchard will be just some of the highlights.
Additional funding from a local memorial scheme has allowed for further planting and installation of a copper memorial tree and benches, which will sit proudly in the finished garden alongside several trees donated by the RSPCA.
Once completed, the multipurpose all-season site will be ready for educational purposes, and a living willow structure meeting dome funded by local company Fraudenburg UK will hold events and classes in horticulture.
