Prof. David Bellamy OBE to plant yew tree at Alzheimer Scotland event

On Sunday 1 July, Prof. David Bellamy OBE will plant a yew tree as part of an event to celebrate people with dementia, their carers and families. This will take place at Alzheimer Scotland’s gardening allotment in Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park. Scottish singer/songwriter Dougie McLean OBE will also participate in this very special event, which is the brainchild of Davey MacRoberts; a full-time carer for his mother, who has dementia.

Gardening has been shown to be of significant psychological, social, mental and physical benefit to people with dementia, promoting friendly interaction and activity in a relaxed setting. Activities such as gardening have also been shown to help maintain a sense of identity and to boost self-esteem in people with dementia.

The yew tree, an ancient symbol of growth and renewal, has been propagated from a specimen that is at least 2000 years old, sourced by the Conservation Foundation (founded by Prof. Bellamy and David Shreeve, 30 years ago) and purchased by Davey MacRoberts for the event.

This is an invitation-only event, to be attended by local people with dementia, their carers, partners, families and friends. 

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