The University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum’s engagement and wellbeing officer, Martha Holland, attended an older people’s networking day at Oxford Town Hall, as part of Harcourt Arboretum’s new development project.
The Oxford 50+ event was held to mark the UN’s International Day for Older People, and featured approximately 60 stallholders providing information and engagement for the attendees.
Martha was representing Harcourt Arboretum at the event, to talk to visitors about plans for improving the visitor facilities at the site as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project, made possible by National Lottery players.
Visitors to the stand had the chance to discuss the plans with Martha, and provide their feedback on what they would like from a visit to Harcourt Arboretum and whether anything could be done to improve the experience for them.
The proposed Visitor and Learning Centre for Harcourt Arboretum will build partnerships with local communities, including a particular focus on older people; work with Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry and social prescribing partnership to increase wellbeing from access to nature; and will also create new all-weather education facilities, café and shop will transform the visitor experience.
