New sensory garden opens at Kirkcaldy's Dunnikier Park

The garden area has been created by the Dunnikier Country Park Development Group to offer a welcoming space which is designed for everyone to enjoy time in nature. It aims to be a calming, accessible garden that encourages connection, wellbeing and inclusion.

It is the group’s latest project in enhancing the park for all to enjoy, having already had success in funding a new playpark and creating a fairy trail.

The team of volunteers celebrated the official opening of the sensory garden on Friday evening.

Stephen MacCrimmon, co-founder of Dunnikier Country Park Development Group, explained how the project came about.

He said: “When we were consulting on the new playpark, we spent time speaking with local groups like Autism Rocks, The Yard and Nourish to hear directly from them about what inclusive spaces should really look and feel like. Those conversations made a real impression on us, because it became clear that many of the people and families they support don’t always see their needs reflected in public spaces.

When we looked at other parks, there often wasn’t much consideration for sensory or accessible features, so we felt there was an opportunity to do something meaningful at Dunnikier. The sensory garden came from wanting to create a space that feels welcoming for everyone — whether that’s someone living with a disability, mobility challenges, visual impairment, dementia, or simply anyone who benefits from a calmer, more sensory-focused environment. We hope it becomes something the community feels proud of and maybe even inspires others to think more inclusively too.”

The sensory garden has been made more accessible for everyone with a new path network.

Stephen continued: “The area was quite underused to begin with, so our first focus was on making it more accessible and inviting for everyone. We added a new path network, installed both ground-level and wheelchair-accessible planters, and filled them with plants chosen to stimulate the senses — particularly touch, smell, taste and sight.

“We’ve also introduced features like a stumpery, tall grasses and silver birch trees to bring more texture and interest to the space, alongside three benches where people can sit and enjoy the garden.

"At its centre is the ‘Take Some Breathing Space’ bench, which includes a plaque with braille and a QR code linking to mental health support, encouraging people to take a moment for themselves. The bench represents exactly what the group wanted the space to offer – somewhere people can pause, reflect and just take a moment for themselves.

"A mural by local artist Kerry Wilson has created a real visually stunning focal point, and we’re now adding sensory play features such as a percussion post, dizzy disc and finger maze.

"The garden is not fully complete yet, but that’s part of the long-term vision, we’ve created a strong foundation and hope to add more signage, fencing and wooden sculptures as it continues to develop.”

The idea of creating the sensory space was one of the 32 projects to receive a share of funding through Fife Council’s You Decide initiative last year when members of the public voted for which projects should receive the cash.

This money gave the group the foundation to get the project started with most of the cash going towards the creation of the new accessible path network.

“Once that was in place, we knew we wanted to build on it and bring more features into the garden, so we began looking at other ways to raise support,” said Stephen.

"We were fortunate to secure additional funding through our 500 Miles for £50K crowdfunding campaign, as well as support from Corra Foundation through its Boost Fund and the FCCAN climate action grant.

"We also invited local sponsorship for the planters, and the response from the community was fantastic. They were quickly sponsored by W. Matthew & Sons, Linton Lane Centre, D.R & Son Roofing & Building, and Dunnikier Park Community Golf.

“That combination of funding and community backing really made the difference, because without that extra support we simply wouldn’t have been able to deliver as much as we have, or do it within the timescale we were aiming for.”

Stephen said having the garden now open feels “really special”.

He continued: “There’s a real sense of pride with all our volunteers in seeing the space come to life after all the planning and hard work that’s gone into it, but more than that, it’s about seeing people using and enjoying it.

“What’s been most rewarding is watching members of the community come in, spend time there, chat with the group and connect with the space in their own way, whether that’s families, individuals looking for a quiet moment, or people who maybe haven’t always felt that parks were designed with them in mind.

“It’s also been a real community effort to get to this point, so it feels like something that belongs to everyone. We’re proud of what’s been created, and excited to see how it continues to grow and be enjoyed over time.”

The sensory garden’s opening also came just ahead of a busy weekend in the park. An Easter Scavenger Hunt organised by the development group proved a huge success with more than 70 children hunting for eggs and making Easter crafts with Gail and Nicolle from the Corra Foundation.

Stephen added: “It was wonderful to see families enjoying the park together, no technology in sight, just nature. Huge thanks to our volunteers and Dunnikier Golf Club, it really shows what our community can achieve when we come together.”