Notcutts Garden Centres have teamed up with the charity, Thrive, to help cultivate the nation’s wellbeing through gardening.
Launched just before the UK first went into lockdown in March 2020, the free online ‘Cultivating Wellbeing in Gardens and Nature’ course is designed to help people connect with nature and understand why being outdoors is so beneficial.
Caroline Notcutt, Vice-Chairman of Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “At Notcutts, we have always been passionate about the benefits that gardening can bring to mental and physical health as my Great-Grandfather, Roger Crompton Notcutt, was advised to work outdoors due to ill health. It was then that his passion for horticulture began and Notcutts was founded over 120 years ago”.
The five-hour course, which is suitable for any age and ability, is split into three short modules. It includes expert advice and practical ideas on how to engage with nature, using interactive activities and video tutorials. Users are encouraged to develop and implement their own wellbeing plan, even if they don’t have access to a garden.
Damien Newman, Thrive’s Training, Education and Consultancy Manager, said: “Coronavirus and its associated social restrictions has underlined the importance of spending time in gardens and nature to maintain good health. We’re pleased that Notcutts’ support means we can make this course freely available.”
