As we gradually emerge from Winter and move towards the upsurge of Spring, what better way to spend some spare time than out in the garden?
There is increasing evidence that spending time in nature, particularly taking part in gardening, is beneficial for our mental and physical health, and so can reduce pressure on NHS and other services. More and more health professionals are encouraging people to make use of green spaces and participate in outdoor activities and even prescribing gardening for health reasons. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of premature death and contributes to preventable physical and mental disorders. (Forest Research; 2010.) Engagement with gardening activities can help to prevent chronic ill health. Gardens also play an important role in supporting recovery from illness.
This project aims to use gardening as a safe way to develop group activities. Participants learn gardening skills, how to grow food, cultivate plants, and harvest them as well as mixing socially and making new friends. The gardening group meets fortnightly on a Tuesday morning participating in gardening activities as a group both in the Seachange gardens and at the Budleigh Community Allotment.
Spending time with others in nature while doing something meaningful can be helpful on so many levels. Exercise can be energising, and activity can also distract from unwanted or negative thoughts. It needn’t be about heavy digging, but gardening does put you through a range of movements that help improve fitness and well-being. You can participate as little or as much as you choose. This is a friendly welcoming group, and it is free, so why not come and find out how gardening can benefit you?
For more information contact Activity and Volunteer Coordinator: Katheryn at Seachange on 01395 446896 / [email protected]