The evidence is clear from studies across different countries and cultures that access to, and connection with, nature enhances human wellbeing.  Meaningful activities in nature can reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression, encourage physical activity and increase a general sense of happiness, wellbeing and belonging.  But 18% of the UK population spend time in nature less than once a month, some people never.  The ability to view or sit in a beautiful garden can aid recovery from illness too and increasingly hospitals are having gardens built.

Gardening is one of the most accessible, flexible and familiar way for us to connect with nature right outside our own door or at a community garden within our locality.  Social and therapeutic horticulture projects go beyond that to use gardening as a medium to deliver therapy and the health outcomes are more important than the gardening outcomes.  Programmes cater for a wide variety of participants including people with mental health problems, long term health conditions and physical or learning disabilities.  STH practitioners have to understand how to support people with these diagnoses as well as having a good knowledge of gardening.

Read more about the studies and benefits of Gardening