THE GARDEN OF PLENTY
GROWING PROJECT
Since before the Iron Age, agriculture and farming have played a central role in shaping communities and feeding the people of Britain. Early Iron Age communities relied on subsistence farming, growing crops like wheat and barley and raising livestock such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. These practices not only provided food but also fostered a sense of interdependence, as neighbours often worked together in planting, harvesting, and tending to animals. The collective nature of farming, with tasks shared among families, built strong community bonds. Seasonal cycles of sowing and harvest became times of communal sharing and celebrations.
Join us for a weekly gathering that nurtures both the land and our sense of community. In our shared allotment, we’ll cultivate teamwork, bringing co-growing skills together with the added mindfulness of Eco-therapy. Not only will we be learning the art of growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers, but we'll be reflecting on our own lives as gardens and how we can grow nourishment and health from within too. As the seasons change into the colder months, we’ll move our focus indoors to share the fruits of our labor, transforming our harvest into nourishing community meals and focus on crafting homemade remedies to nurture ourselves through the winter. Whether it's tending to the earth, sharing food, or creating natural products, this group offers a space to connect with nature mindfully, learn valuable skills, and enjoy the warmth of community all year-round.
HEALTH BENEFITS
GROWING SKILLS
GROUP COLLABORATIONS
ECO THERAPY
Having an allotment has been shown to greatly improve mental health by providing a sense of purpose and connection to nature. A study published in the Journal of Public Health found that allotment gardening led to a 50% reduction in depression symptoms and a 44% decrease in anxiety levels, with participants citing the calming effects of being outdoors and engaging in physical activity (Wood et al., 2016). Additionally, research from the International Journal of Environmental Health showed a 39% increase in overall life satisfaction and a 36% improvement in mood, highlighting the psychological benefits of nurturing plants and spending time in green spaces (Hawkins & Thirlaway, 2019).
Nature-based collaborations, such as co-gardening, offer significant mental health benefits and opportunities for personal growth by fostering connection to both people and the environment. Research shows that individuals involved in these projects experience a 47% increase in overall well-being and a 38% boost in self-esteem (Harris et al., 2020). Additionally, these collaborations enhance mindfulness and emotional resilience, with 72% of participants reporting increased feelings of purpose and motivation after engaging in nature-based teamwork. This highlights their powerful role in promoting personal development and environmental stewardship.
Ecotherapy, or time spent in nature, is increasingly being recognised for its positive impact on wellbeing and can even improve symptoms of PTSD (Berger, R., & McLeod, J, 2018). A report by the university of Essex found that 95% of participants experienced improved moods after outdoor activities, and 71% reported a decrease in depressive symptoms. According to the journal of Scietific reports (2019), participants who spent at least two hours per week in green spaces were significantly more likely to report better mental health as well as improving physical stress symptoms, such as lowering cortisol levels. (Li, Q., et al. 2009).
HOW DO I SIGN UP ?
When & Where :
This group is held every Wednesday at 2pm in Glastonbury, the address will be given on the Whatsapp group once you have signed up. Please wear comfortable outdoor clothes and gardening gloves.
Cost:
This support group is free if you live in Glastonbury and earn under £25k or £10 per workshop, for those who earn over £25k a year, as part of an honesty scheme, which helps us to keep affording the free spaces for those on a low income.
Join now:
Please fill out our referral form to sign up below: