What is Social Therapeutic Horticulture?

Social and therapeutic horticulture uses the garden as a safe place to reduce isolation by connecting people, increase confidence by learning practical skills and works with natural world to improve wellbeing.

Gardening is less about growing plants and more about growing people. That’s why I have designed a unique user-led programme that is a blend of conservation, gardening and social activities that support each person’s wellbeing. This includes:

• Habitat creation (think hedgehog homes!)

• Seasonal mindful gardening tasks

• Sensory nature connection exercises

• Eco-art projects

• Social events

To name a few!

How does horticultural therapy help me?

The benefits of gardening are vast and include:

• Improved mental health through a sense of purpose and achievement

• The opportunity to connect with others – reducing feelings of isolation or exclusion

• Acquiring new skills to improve the chances of finding employment

• Just feeling better for being outside, in touch with nature and in the 'great outdoors'

Join the Engaging with Nature Community Garden with Carrie!

I have teamed up with the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust to create a therapeutic community garden at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham.

During the winter period we meet once a month to look after the garden and chat over a cup of tea! Sessions are relaxed. We move with the seasons as we care for the garden (and the garden cares for us).

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund the sessions are completely free to join. Discover the next community garden date and to book your free place click here.

I can’t wait to ‘grow’ with you!