Share

Nature, people, mental health

Whilst restoring Charford Community Garden for wildlife, locals discovered some additional benefits along the way.

January can be dark and dreary. The days are short, the fog and cloud is thick and the rain seems never-ending. After the frivolity of the festive season, the last few weeks of winter can feel gloomy and isolating. The cold may make you think twice about heading outside but the lovely folk at Charford Community Garden can tell a different story.

Charford Community Garden project started with just two dedicated ladies who lived down the road and wanted to give back to their community. Since then the group has grown significantly and the folks who support the project do so for many reasons; to take a break from caring or family commitments, to do what they love, to help wildlife, to take steps to reduce their social anxiety, to make friends and fight off loneliness and, possibly the most important of all, to make positive changes to their mental health.

Charlotte and Kate stood with Trust colleague Yasmina behind a raised planter

Charlotte and Kate stood with Trust colleague Yasmina.

This combination of getting involved with a few people who live nearby to do something to help nature on your doorstep could be the most positive thing you do this winter. Here at the Trust we’ve known for years about the benefits of spending times outdoors (even in winter) but lots of research is now showing this to be true. And not just in the outdoors but in places where there’s plenty of trees or plants, birdsong and buzzing bees. You might not hear the buzzing of bees at this time of year but belonging to a group of people who share your neighbourhood and who are pulling together for the same cause can be a great boost for your mental health.

Take Richard, for example. He’s lived in Charford all his life and sees being part of the community garden as his way of giving something back. Apart from being good fun and good exercise, he said “The first day coming here was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced; to know that I’m going somewhere to meet strangers and have to talk to people I’ve never met before.” That’s something that many of us have in common – we’re uncomfortable when we don’t know the people around us. But Richard went on to say “I’m a bit of an introvert and volunteering around other people is quite an effort. Making myself go out and be around other people – and being able to do that in a nice, relaxed environment – has helped me a lot.”

Katie and Richard completing work in Charford Community Garden

Katie and Richard completing work in Charford Community Garden. Photo by Yasmina Ashcroft.

The community’s vision is that the garden can be open a couple of days a week for people to come and pick fresh fruit and veg for a donation towards the garden. The team want there to be space for wildlife alongside growing food and intend to have a monthly open day where local people can come to the garden for tea and coffee. There are elderly people living locally who might be experiencing loneliness and coming for a cuppa and a chat and to sit in a beautiful garden, could have a really positive impact on their mental health, the same as it has for the people who are creating it. They want it to be a little outdoor meeting place and to bring a good balance between value for wildlife and value for people.

Katie was initially concerned that not everyone would appreciate what they were doing and might even try to trash the garden. But she loves gardening and, as a full-time carer, this was her way of taking time out, an escape where she can mix with different people. Katie is proud of what they’ve achieved and commented that “I’ve seen positive changes in my mental health, having somewhere to come every Monday; a reason to get up and get out of the house. Even if we can’t garden, we’ll go for a coffee and that has been lovely.”

I’ve seen positive changes in my mental health, having somewhere to come every Monday; a reason to get up and get out of the house. Even if we can’t garden, we’ll go for a coffee and that has been lovely.

Of course, it’s not all about mud, seeds and growing prize-winning veggies. Katie thinks that arts and crafts can be a good starting point for building a connection to nature and also believes in just ‘doing’: “When I’m at my allotment, I just stick it in and see if it grows! We want people to know they are welcome to come along and give it a go; if they pull up the wrong thing, don’t worry about it!”

If you’re feeling low and are looking for opportunities to get outside, improve your mental health and connect with your local community, why not do some research. Local groups might advertise in your corner shop or have websites or Facebook pages with contact information or you can check out our community action map https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/community-action. 

Back to that research I mentioned earlier. You don’t need us or a bunch of social scientists to tell you that nature is good for you. Richard does a much better job…

“My key message to share with the story of this community garden is; if you’re feeling low or depressed, get outside, get in the sunshine, get amongst the flowers. You’ll literally feel yourself get better, do what you can and make the most of it. There are a lot of communities that haven’t got these sorts of spaces so we’re grateful for what we have.”

Nextdoor Nature logos

Related blog posts