The Pat Merriman Peace Garden
In this world of stress and tension, there is a need for each of us to actively look after our own mental well-being; we need sanctuaries to which to retreat, places to take time out to inwardly reflect and contemplate, somewhere to pause and to renew our spirits.
Benefits
REFLECTION TRANQUILITY HARMONY MEDITATION PRAYER PEACE
Designed by award winner local architect Andrew Dyke of CCD Architects and Chelsea gold medal winning landscape artist Steve Welch of Welch Design, The Pat Merriman Peace Garden at Les Cotils is designed to be a restorative outdoor space to be inspired by, to pray, to enjoy the sounds, textures and colours of the natural world, and to be a safe haven for meditation.
The garden is also designed for people undergoing a healing process from physical or mental ill health, as well as for those with, for example, autism and dementia. The garden will also be ideal as part of a social prescribing regime.
Pat Merriman
The garden has been made possible as a result of a substantial donation by The Swallow 2018 Charitable Trust, a legacy of the late Pat Merriman. Pat was the first ever female partner of a consulting firm of actuaries in the UK. She moved to Guernsey in 1979 to set up Bacon and Woodrow (now BWCI). Outside of her work, Pat had a passion for championship bridge and was keenly interested in theology. Pat loved nature and kept a wonderful garden. She would have loved the idea of a peace garden.
Garden Location & Access
The garden is situated within an existing walled area of 2,000m² in Les Cotils’ grounds to the north of the main building. From the garden you have magnificent views of St Peter Port town, the sea, and the other islands.
The location, topography and enclosing walls of the site mean that the garden is secluded from its immediate surroundings with a sheltered, tranquil atmosphere.
Access to the garden and the garden pathways arewheelchair friendly.
The view from the treehouse overlooking The Pat Merriman Peace Garden