Growing New Roots is a 6 week group for adults with a mental health condition. The group is designed for participants to improve their wellbeing by connecting with nature, alongside others, in a supportive environment. Attendees enjoyed guided walks on beautiful chalk grassland, plenty of cups of tea around the fire, and shared meals. Applications are now open for our next group starting mid November.
Creating a relaxed environment for participants is an essential part of the group, to balance the busyness of everyday life. Slowing down, we were able to enjoy watching wildlife from butterflies to buzzards and in doing so, notice the effects. “Being in nature more has been a bit of an epiphany in terms of the positive impact it has had on my mental and physical health and burnout/fatigue.”
Our Clubhouse with sweeping views over the Wilding Waterhall project is proving to be an ideal base. The site offers multiple places to enjoy, as one participant described: “The two wooded spots felt completely different, as were the anthills, the chalk grassland, the moss woods, the wild herbs and the wildlife pond. Such variety in such a small area!” For others, the accessibility was key, “you could go for what felt like a long walk, but it wasn’t too hilly – perfect for me, as I can’t walk far.”
Highlights varied among participants. For one person “the whittling was my favorite session, I was completely in the zone for the whole time. As soon as I got home, I bought my own carving set and I’ve been addicted ever since.” This person attended the final session with a set of hand-carved cutlery which they used to enjoy their lunch.
Other people’s favorite week was the trip to Saddlescombe Farm. There was a mix of surprise, nostalgia and joy in our feedback. “I felt like a kid again, going on the tractor ride,” said one person. “It really took me out of my own world, which was a wonderful relief.” Learning about regenerative farming practices was new for some people. The visit sparked a deeper connection with the land and its custodians, “It’s almost like you can sense that the land knows it’s cared for here.”
Beyond the activities, what often makes these groups special is the way they provide a space for connection to others, to the landscape and reminders to slow down. “It was the perfect balance of soft and slow and exciting and fun. Not too long, not too heavy, and just the right number of activities and space to just be.”
At the Food Partnership, we aim to make our groups inclusive and welcoming. One participant noticed some of these details: “Name tags on mugs helped with my short-term memory issues. Snacks and tea for those of us who forgot breakfast. Mindfulness breaks. Friendly facilitation. It was all so well thought out.”
“As a middle-aged queer and neurodivergent trans guy, I struggle to find safe, welcoming spaces. Growing New Roots’ understated approach gently signaled inclusiveness and understanding. This is rare.”
“It felt like a really warm, safe and welcoming space.”
“Every session I arrived frazzled and full of worries and left feeling calm and at peace. That is an amazing feeling.”
Thanks to everyone who took part and helped shape this group, with particular thanks to our wonderful volunteers Mosey and Jo who consistently offered friendly support and hard work behind the scenes.
Applications are now open for our next group starting mid November.
This group is run in partnership with The National Trust. Growing New Roots is part of the Changing Chalk, project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and People’s Postcode Lottery and led by The South Downs National Trust.
