Our Hospice Gardens
For many years, our Hospice gardens have been a source of great joy as well as a space for reflection and comfort to patients, families, carers and colleagues.
The gardens provide space for contemplation and peacefulness. When our In-Patient Unit was built, it was planned so that every room could enjoy a view out to the gardens. Today, there is a labyrinth and a woodland area, as well as a large terrace where lunch can be enjoyed and meetings are held during the warmer months.
The gardens have evolved over the years, beginning as a space for people to get some fresh air and enjoy the view but evolving to become a beautiful part of the Hospice for reflecting, wandering and engaging with nature.
The woodland area runs along the back of the gardens and is home to many established trees and shrubs, as well as benches for those who like to sit and reflect. We have a bug hotel which is a wonder for young visitors and patients alike. There’s a large lawn for children to run and play on and where dogs can be walked, with smaller spaces for relatives and visitors to sit and talk, or rest quietly in. 
It’s been the venue for many events, from Summer Fetes to Christmas Fairs. It’s where we’ve held our annual Light up a Life event every year since 2004, apart from a few years which were cancelled due to severe weather and, of course, the pandemic, when we recorded an online version of the event for people to join.
The gardens are maintained beautifully by a group of talented and extremely dedicated volunteer gardeners, who come to the Hospice every Tuesday to tidy, trim and take care of our green space. Collectively, they share an amazing amount of knowledge and have created a bio-diverse space that supports our eco-friendly credentials and aspirations.
Last year, we opened our gardens to the public for the first time and the response was extremely positive. Community and Events Fundraiser at the Hospice, Sophie, said: “It was wonderful to see so many of our supporters visiting the Hospice garden, taking in the beauty of the flowers and grounds. Our dedicated garden volunteers have worked hard to maintain this peaceful space, and it was heartwarming to see it so appreciated.”