We’ve reached the halfway point of our 7th Growing New Roots Programme, which this time is based in beautiful East Sussex. Each Friday, participants from the surrounding coastal towns have gathered to take part in a diverse range of activities, including an insightful archaeology talk from the National Trust and a leisurely guided walk to the picturesque village of West Dean.
Growing New Roots is a project offering a range of supportive ecotherapy groups and activities on the chalk grassland downs as part of an 8- week programme that runs throughout the year. It is part of the wider Changing Chalk project, a partnership of organisations that is striving to connect nature, people and heritage in the South Downs. The programme is designed to support individuals with a mental health diagnosis such as anxiety and depression.
The sessions are expertly led by the Food Partnership and freelance workers, with over 10 years of experience running similar programs in Brighton and Hove. They are also founding members of the Sussex Green Wellbeing Alliance. Session leaders are joined by a team of dedicated volunteers contributing a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping people connect with the local landscape. Together, they create an educational, safe, and supportive environment for everyone involved.
The sessions are crafted around the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing,‘ a set of evidence-based actions developed by the New Economics Foundation and endorsed by the NHS, shown to enhance mental and physical health. Integrating these five practices into our daily lives is essential for overall wellbeing. They are to:
- Connect
- Be active
- Take notice
- Keep learning
- Give
The sessions begin and end the same way, with time and space to communicate with the group how you are feeling before and after the session. This is a valuable opportunity to acknowledge your thoughts and emotions and reflect on how these have changed over the course of the session.
Each week, the sessions offer something new and exciting. One such session was led by Gary Webster, Changing Chalk Heritage Officer, who guided us on a walk around Frog Firle. Located next to the River Cuckmere, Frog Firle offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the valley, including the iconic Lillington White Horse. As we explored the landscape, Gary pointed out a fascinating complex of earthworks, which might appear as mere lumps in the ground to the untrained eye but are rich in historical significance!
One of the key aims of the Changing Chalk project is to help people connect with the incredible chalk landscapes that surround us. These unique environments are often overlooked or taken for granted, but the programme provides an ideal opportunity to inspire a deeper understanding and care for their fragile beauty.
Recently, the group visited the stunning Cuckmere Haven to admire the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs. This remarkable landscape is visited by many and is easily accessible via public transport. However, it’s often enjoyed without full appreciation of its vulnerability and ecological significance. Changing Chalk encourages everyone to recognise and protect this precious landscape for the future.
On one particularly chilly Friday, the group set off on a guided history walk through Friston Forest, eventually reaching the charming village of West Dean. Despite its small size, the village is full of rich history, including the oldest inhabited rectory in the country, located near the church. Who would have guessed? This walk offered a wonderful chance to learn a bit of local history, while also enjoying a scenic and accessible route that can be appreciated by participants again throughout the year.
Spending time outdoors, surrounded by the expansive beauty of nature, offers a powerful reminder of our smallness in comparison to the vast natural world. Yet, it also highlights our deep connection to it. Being in such an environment encourages reflection and in one moment encouraged one participant to reflect “Do you think trees have feelings?” This is just one example of how participants are invited to explore and reflect on their personal relationship with nature.
The programme based in East Sussex, will continue until the 13th December. Recruitment for the next programme beginning in February 2025 has begun. Check out the events page for the dates and information on how to sign up. Spaces are limited and prioritised for adults living in the Brighton and Hove area, who are living with a mental health condition.
