As we enter into the second year of our community garden project, it`s great to list the benefits of wildlife gardening and the positive effect of this on our visiting community group members.
In the last year or so we have created a wildlife haven by creating insect hotels, a mini pond, bee boxes and raised beds for pollinators, and this attracted butterflies, insects and we even have a resident toad enjoying the pond. We also grow fruits and vegetables that are donated to a local charity for the homeless and individuals experiencing poverty.
What makes our work even more rewarding and enjoyable is that we are working with various community groups and run open days for families and kids too.
It`s really heartwarming to see the community spirit, as well as the many benefits of gardening on everyone`s mental health.
Our regular groups are Cando Care CIC - a day care centre for the elderly and vulnerable. Headway East Northants provide specialist support and services for adults with brain injuries. Growild Outreach Group works with individuals with disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health challenges.
The groups are visiting on a monthly basis, and we have been working together from the start of the project. The clients helped to paint our raised beds, filled them up with compost, and they planted all our vegetables and fruits. We had art projects together when they created pieces for our community art wall. They had the chance to learn practical skills such as willow weaving and woodwork, including the making of solitary bee boxes and windowsill planters. They also enjoy simple crafts and even colouring, before or after completing the gardening tasks.
The activities really helped the group members to reconnect, to interact with each other and gain confidence. The benefits on their mental health or general wellbeing are huge, whether it`s the reminiscing of old memories brought back by painting planters, admiring wildflowers, or feeling the soothing effect of colouring, or enjoying the satisfaction of harvesting crops they grew from seeds.
Every time a group arrives for their next session, the excitement is visible. What`s the task for today, how much the plants have grown, how many butterflies can we spot today, or simply just knowing what type of biscuits are there with the usual cuppa at the end of the session - all help to feel the community spirit and togetherness.
The regularity of the visits gives consistency that helps reduce anxiety and generates happiness. To see the smile on their faces means a lot for staff members too. Running these session taught me a lot about how to deal with different situations, how to comfort our visitors if they are in discomfort, having difficulties or losing confidence. But most importantly it boosted my wellbeing too. There`s nothing more pleasing than going back to the Visitor Centre at the end of a session, and tell colleagues and volunteers that it went really well, we achieved a lot, and most importantly everyone left with a happy smile on their faces, saying that they can`t wait for the next session.
Gardening brought wonderful wildlife to our community space, but it also brought happiness, hope ,positivity and new friendships to many people`s lives.
