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.
Groups are typically based just outside Brighton, surrounded by beautiful chalk grassland, accompanied by plenty of cups of tea around the fire, and shared meals.
Activities can include guided walks, ‘micro adventures’ with miniature magnifying glasses, wild art, natural fire making, poetry, meditation and mindfulness, chalk carving, chalk drawing and clay printing.
Slowing down & connecting with Nature
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.”
The 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.”
“Every session I arrived frazzled and full of worries and left feeling calm and at peace. That is an amazing feeling.”
Skills & confidence
Our sessions always include an educational element, presented in a digestible and engaging way. Participants have explored the chalk grasslands; their geology, history and the importance of conservation of the area. We find the groups inspire a deeper insight into the duty of care we all have for this precious landscape both now and in the future and increase a sense of connection and belonging. One participant shared that they had ‘learnt more in the past weeks than (they had) done in 40 years.’
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.”
Friendships & Connections
The group’s benefits go beyond individual well-being. Friendships have blossomed as a result of the programmes, with many participants grateful for the opportunity to ‘meet new people’. A WhatsApp group allows participants to stay in touch after the sessions have finished to explore new walking spots or revisit favourite ones together. For some, these connections continued long after the sessions had ended.
“I’ve met some incredible people who still catch up three years on… and have a very close friend from the group.”
“I live alone and sometimes I don’t talk to anyone all week. Coming here has made me feel part of society again. It’s given me new options for things to do and visit places I would never have gone to on my own. I’ve made friends on the course and we’re going out walking next week.”
Participants said that since coming on this group, they are more likely to go out into nature or feel more confident in exploring the Downs. For some, this group rekindled a love of exploration and walking, whilst for others it helped with noticing the simple beauty in the hedgerows and fields during a simple every-day activity like walking the dog.
Using nature to support recovery
Through guided mindfulness activities and practical tools, we empower our participants with a valuable toolbox to help manage stress and anxiety in the future. Many described how slowing down and paying attention to the natural world helped them step away from stress, anxiety and difficult circumstances. For some, it offered moments of calm that were otherwise hard to find.
“The group really opened my eyes to the beauty of the natural landscape around us. I always thought you had to go somewhere exotic to see such diverse flora/fauna but to realise it is on our doorstep was incredible. I gained a new love for the downland and enjoy sharing it with others. I feel more connected to the landscape.”
“Having nature and the outdoors as a common ground made it easier to be around new people, despite being from all walks of life. It made conversations easier, allowed me to focus on something else other than the negative things were happening in my own life.”
“I suffer with agoraphobia and PTSD, the group enabled me to expand my world and gave me a reason to leave the house.”
Building confidence and new opportunities
A large number of responses show how the group acted as a catalyst for change. Participants described increased confidence, a willingness to try new things, and a shift in how they saw themselves. “It has given me the courage to do more.”
“It made me a much more positive person who has said yes to various opportunities since. I’ve completed training courses, volunteered, had paid employment and now work in my dream job, but only possible due to my experience of Growing New Roots. I learned how to shift my focus from negative aspects of life onto other things, being shown that there are good people in the world, that connecting with others is possible, and that nature is full of awesome mind blowing stuff and is on our doorstep… the list goes on!”
For some, this led to volunteering, training, or even new careers. “I returned to work after burnout with a new sense of self… The sessions allowed me time and space to think. I am now a qualified advanced wilderness therapeutic practitioner.”
“I did the group over 2 years ago. Because of this I’ve actively sought employment outside low paid care work using my skills and knowledge more akin to my value base and qualifications.”
“I’ve completed training courses, volunteered, had paid employment… only possible due to my experience of Growing New Roots.”
Supporting better mental health
We measured several factors that contribute towards wellbeing and how our participants experience these factors before, and after, their participation in the programme. The metrics we used were from the (short) Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale – one of the most widely used and respected tools for measuring changes to wellbeing. Over 82% of participants showed an increase in their SWEMWBS score after participating in our group (average increase of 3 points).
Questions cover factors such as: ‘feeling optimistic’, ‘feeling useful’, ‘feeling relaxed’, ‘dealing with problems’, ‘thinking clearly’, ‘feeling happy’, ‘feeling close to others’, and ‘increasing skills/ knowledge’. Participants scored higher against every metric after their programme had finished, presenting an overall picture of increased wellbeing.
Those participating in the groups showed lower-than-average wellbeing before the group, but surveys at the end of the programme indicated wellbeing levels are similar to a typical local resident. Find out more about the evaluation.
Life-changing stories
The heartfelt testimonials we’ve received truly highlight the programme’s profound impact on participants’ lives. Some have described their experiences as ‘life-enhancing,’ ‘confidence-building,’ ‘magical,’ and ‘soul-nourishing,’ words that beautifully capture the transformative and uplifting impact of their time spent in nature.
“Words cannot express my gratitude to be part of this amazing and wonderful group. You have opened my eyes and heart to the beauty around me. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can call this country my home.”
“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.”
“The group reminded me to be kinder to myself and others.”
“This group has genuinely been the highlight of my life.”
Find out more
The current phase of Growing New Roots groups started in 2026, and group dates & applications are available on this website.
We also ran groups from 2021-2025, as part of the Changing Chalk project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and People’s Postcode Lottery and led by The National Trust.
