The WDCS Wildlife Centre in Spey Bay unveiled its new memorial garden, given the title ‘The WDCS Harbour Garden’, by staff and volunteers of the charity.

The name was chosen not only for its marine connection, but also for its meaning – a place of refuge and shelter, and to keep and hold in mind, which the team at WDCS felt was extremely fitting.

The garden has been designed and created to be an inviting, comforting and special place for visitors to remember loved ones, and as a tribute to supporters of the charity who have died.

At the heart of the garden is a beautiful whale tail sculpture, built from local driftwood and created by artist Christian Gunn. Surrounding the sculpture is a circle of small tree stumps featuring engraved poetry by local poet John Mackie, about Spey Bay and its stunning wildlife. As visitors walk around the circle to view the sculpture, the poems gradually emerge.

The garden also incorporates a wildlife area; featuring native plants and shrubs deliberately chosen to attract butterflies and insects, as well as feeders and nest boxes for the local birdlife. This area of the garden is to be used by WDCS’s Education Officer during school visits, encouraging children to get involved in the planting and rotation of flowers and vegetables, all of which are to be grown using environmentally friendly methods.

The concept of creating a memorial garden came about through WDCS’s Whale and Dolphin Memorial Fund Programme; to acknowledge the tremendous support the charity receives through this special method of charitable giving.

WDCS’s Memorial Fund Programme provides a lasting and meaningful way to remember and celebrate the life of someone special. Named after a loved one, the Fund can provide a positive focus of remembrance and individuals can choose to donate to the Fund in whichever way feels right for them. Every penny raised through the Fund is used to help secure a safer future for these magnificent mammals and their environment.

WDCS is now seeking a group of volunteers to join the ‘Friends of the Harbour Garden’ group, and help to maintain the garden. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like any more information about the garden, please contact the WDCS Wildlife Centre on 01343 820 339.

WDCS would like to thank all the businesses who have shown their support by donating goods in kind, including Threaplands Garden Centre, Christies Garden Centre, R&D Paint, Baxters, Natural Collection, B&Q Elgin Store, Planwell Roofing Supplies, Smiths Gore and The Crown Estate.

Related programme links:

Further information:

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