“We always feel uplifted”: putting nature at the heart of dementia care

The natural environment and changing seasons inspire the many activities and workshops on offer, all designed to support participants as their needs evolve over time.  

The centre – the first of its kind in the UK - has developed into a unique and supportive community since launching in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland as part of Cairngorms 2030 in April 2023. 

And the focus on nature has clearly struck a chord, benefitting people living with dementia and their carers more than 1000 times through community events and outreach last year alone.  

Rosemary Evans, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, and her husband Peter are regulars at Badaguish. Peter describes the activities on offer as “invaluable”.  

“I can’t stress how much benefit we’ve derived since we started attending,” he says.  

“It’s a lovely, welcoming place in amazing surroundings which put us right at the heart of nature.” 

• Rosemary and Heather play wind chimes Rosalyn Watson

  

  
• The new dementia centre at Badaguish James Lee

  

  
• Person hanging wish on tree Rosalyn Watson

  

  

The centre’s new spring programme, launched last week (Fri 2 May), is packed with opportunities to find joy in the outdoors in a safe and accessible way – from all-ability cycling to gardening and nature-inspired arts and crafts.  

And of course the therapeutic benefits of nature are not restricted to the participants themselves, with sessions also offering loved ones a welcome chance to take time for themselves, often going for walks with other carers. 

Peter adds: “We enjoy the company of others who attend and always feel uplifted when we leave.”  

That community spirit also extends to the way the service is run, with the Alzheimer Scotland team working closely with a range of local partners, including local artist Alison Marr, outdoor activity provider Able2Adventure, and Cairngorms National Park Authority volunteer rangers. 

Next month, Edinburgh will follow the Cairngorms National Park in opening an outdoor dementia resource centre, bringing the therapeutic benefits of nature to a new group of people living with dementia.  

The centre at Lauriston Castle will offer a similar programme of activities in the hope of replicating the success of the Cairngorms project – a fitting legacy of this pioneering Cairngorms 2030 green health initiative.   

Cairngorms 2030 is made possible through funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players. 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund