Falmouth Hospital offers a range of services including a minor injury unit and X-ray. The hospital was part of the NHS Forest’s pilot phase in 2009 and planted trees in 2010, including several fruit and nut trees.
TV presenter Dick Strawbridge (‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’) officially opened the new garden on 18 April 2011. There was a tree planting session, and attendees had the option to receive a free tree sapling to take home.
The garden was designed by Chris Greene, a local garden designer who is working with the League of Friends to help them learn how to maintain the garden. Schools will be encouraged to use the area as a green classroom for the study of biodiversity. The local community will be encouraged to be part of the project and use the green space for exercise and relaxation.
Felicity Owen, Director of Public Health for the Primary Care Trust, said: “We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of local people. The importance that green space has on our health and wellbeing is increasingly being understood. It helps to keep us active and it makes a positive contribution to the communities in which we live.”
She added: “NHS Forest at Falmouth Hospital is an excellent project which I hope will be just the start of many exciting NHS Forest projects to come in Cornwall.”
