IT was all hands to the shovels last week when members of Tavistock Rotary, The Lions, Roots to Transition and Tavistock Dementia Action joined forces to clear the ground at the Meadows in readiness for the first stage of work to create the new Community Sensory Garden.

The four groups are working with Tavistock Town Council to build the garden alongside the Rose Walk area in the Meadows. Costing £25,000 the Sensory Garden has been designed to engage all five senses with a water fountain, gazebo, beds full of different smelling flowers, herbs and vegetables.

Geri Parlby, chair of the Sensory Garden Group, said: ‘The garden will provide a peaceful haven for all members of the community to enjoy but with a special appeal for people living with dementia and their carers.

‘Alongside the sensory area there will be a Petanque court so visitors will also have the chance to enjoy gentle exercise as well as relaxation.’

The group members have been working hard to raise the money for the project via grant applications, fundraising initiatives and selling bricks engraved with a personalised message. The garden project has also been selected as part of the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

For further information on the Sensory Garden Project visit the Facebook page Tavistock Community Sensory Garden.