Official opening for wildlife centre memorial garden

A MEMORIAL garden at a Moray wildlife centre was officially opened yesterday.

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s centre at Spey Bay’s harbour garden has been created as a tribute to supporters of the charity who have died.

It includes a whale tail sculpture made out of local driftwood by the centre’s resident artist, Christian Gunn, and tree stumps engraved with the words of Garmouth poet John Mackie about the wildlife of Spey Bay.

It also features native plants and shrubs chosen to attract butterflies and insects, as well as bird-feeders and nest boxes.

This area of the garden will be used to encourage children to get involved in the planting and rotation of flowers and vegetables.

The £2,000 funding for the memorial garden came from legacies and also from donations made in memory of supporters of the charity.

WDCS co-ordinator Joanna Varley said: “This is a special garden in memory of very special people and we hope it will act as a fitting tribute to the incredible backing we receive from supporters.”

The centre is looking for volunteers to join the Friends of the Harbour Garden group, who help to maintain the garden. Call 01343 820 339 for more information.