Fundraising drive for new sensory and remembrance garden in Dunshaughlin

Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns Group recently launched its fundraising campaign for a new sensory and remembrance garden which will be located in Dunshaughlin Park.

The launch event was held to coincide with Earth Day on 22nd April and local schoolchildren were among those who attended. Pupils were invited to part in a poster competition to imagine and design 'a sensory garden for us all' and the posters were on display at the event.

The first tree of the new sensory garden was planted and the fundraising campaign to raise funds towards the new garden was launched.

A gofund me page has been set up where people can make donations towards the garden, and a raffle is also taking place with some great prizes up for grabs. Tickets are €5 each or a book of six costs €25.

Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns had its ambitious plans for the garden on display and volunteers were on hand to answer any questions about the project.

"The launch of the 'Dunshaughlin Sensory and Remembrance Garden' is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and environmentally conscious community, said Luke Colleran, Chairperson of Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns.

"This initiative will not only provide a new green space for the village but will also promote climate action. Creating a space that not only stimulates the senses but also serves as a place of remembrance."

He outlined that the garden will provide numerous benefits to the community including increased community engagement as well as promoting biodiversity with the use of native plans and pollinator friendly landscaping to drive climate action.

There will be an interactive learning zone full of things to touch and smell and the gardens will also provide a new community space for socialising and holding events.

"The gardens will bolster mental health by providing a unique and stimulating environment while also providing a space for reflection with scented plants and restful seating. The addition of a quiet reflective space dedicated to pregnancy and infant loss will provide a compassionate space for people to pause and reflect on the lives that have deeply touched their own in a tranquil environment. "These benefits make the sensory and remembrance garden a valuable addition to Dunshaughlin enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike. "

Detailed plans have been created by a landscape architect, with a focus on themes of nature, the senses and remembrance.

Raffle tickets are available from tidy towns members or for more information see www.dunshaughlintidytowns.com or see 'Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns' on Facebook.

The link to the gofund me page set up for the Sensory and Remembrance Garden can be found here.