Lavender Fields Opens New Sensory Garden with a Sycamore Gap Tree of Hope
On Monday 21 September, World Alzheimer's Day, we were delighted to open our new Sensory Garden at Lavender Fields Care Village. We marked the occasion alongside our friends at Dementia Forward, the charity supporting people living with dementia and their families across North Yorkshire, with residents, families, local dignitaries and members of the community joining us for a special afternoon.
Planting a Tree of Hope
At the heart of the new garden, we had the honour of planting one of the Sycamore Gap saplings. The original Sycamore Gap tree stood beside Hadrian's Wall for around 150 years and was one of the most loved and photographed trees in the country until it was felled in 2023. Saplings grown from the tree have since been shared with communities as 'Trees of Hope', each one carrying the legacy of the original tree forward.
This sapling was gifted to Dementia Forward as a symbol of hope for people living with young onset dementia and their families. We are proud that it has found a permanent home here at Lavender Fields, where it will grow alongside our residents and the community for many years to come.
A day to remember
We were grateful to welcome several distinguished guests to the opening ceremony, including the Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Linda Johnson, and the Mayor of Pocklington. Their support means a great deal to our residents, families and team.
Rock Choir North Yorkshire, led by Kate Peters, gave a wonderful performance during the afternoon. Their singing brought real joy to everyone who attended and added to the sense of celebration. We were also fortunate with the weather, and the sunshine showed the garden at its very best on its first day.
Thank you to everyone who came along to share this occasion with us. It was a moving event, and one we will remember for a long time.
Why sensory gardens matter
A sensory garden is designed to engage the senses through colour, scent, texture and sound. For people living with dementia, spending time in a space like this can help reduce anxiety, encourage gentle activity and conversation, and bring back memories of familiar plants and outdoor places. Time outdoors also supports better sleep and a greater sense of wellbeing.
Our new garden gives residents a safe, accessible place to spend time outside, whether that is a quiet moment on a bench, helping with planting, or sitting with family on a sunny afternoon.
A space for everyone
We hope the Sensory Garden will become a welcoming space for our residents, their families, our friends at Dementia Forward and the wider Pocklington community. It is a place to enjoy, reflect, remember and find a moment of calm.
If you would like to visit Lavender Fields Care Village, explore our dementia care services and see the garden for yourself, please get in touch with our team to arrange a visit.