Wellbeing takes root with Byker nature scheme

A Newcastle-based supported living scheme is turning over a new leaf with a nature-focused project designed to improve mental health.

Residents at Tyne Housing’s Farm View, in Byker, are transforming a neglected outdoor space into a woodland garden, thanks to a collaboration with the Ouseburn Trust and garden designer Nick Figgis.

The project, launched during National Gardening Week (April 28 to May 4), will use local materials to plant ferns, flowers and berries, attracting wildlife and encouraging biodiversity.

As well as boosting wellbeing through time spent in nature, the initiative will offer residents opportunities to learn horticultural skills and build new friendships. 

Nick, also a project manager at Wild Roots Community Garden and a successful actor having starred in Our Friends in the North, Doctors, Vera and Gentleman Jack, among other programmes, said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to bring residents together to make a positive difference where they live. 

“Sprucing up this unloved spot will help nature thrive, boost the mood of passers-by and empower residents to enjoy the benefits of gardening together – which is what the Wild Roots project is all about.”

The scheme is part of Tyne Housing’s wider Health Champions programme and is supported by Newcastle Building Society’s Community Fund.

Carol Egdell, business development manager at Tyne Housing, added: “Having focused, purposeful activities is hugely beneficial and cannot be underestimated, especially those that enable our residents to spend time outdoors. 

“Research has shown the positive impact of outdoor activities, and even short periods outside can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, enhance cognitive function and lower risk of depression.

“The Farm View project will create a space that offers a multitude of opportunities for users, whether it be learning different gardening techniques, socialising and maintaining the space to relax in a calming environment or becoming more physically active, so we are delighted to work with the Ouseburn Trust and Nick.”

Cath Scaife, project officer for the natural environment at Ouseburn Trust, added: “We’ve really enjoyed getting to know the residents at Farm View through bulb planting last autumn and making plans for this new project.

“People who volunteer with us in Ouseburn’s green spaces often share what it means to them to be active outdoors, in friendly supporting company and with the sound of nature around them. 

“We hope this will be a really special place for everyone living here.”

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