Ledbury Focus September 2019 Ledbury Focus September 2019 v2 | Page 40

T Gardening should be 'Cool' . . . Okay? article & photos by Geraldine Woods-Humphrey oday there is much concern about the mental and physical wellbeing of young and old alike in our communities. The young in particular appear to be more vulnerable than ever before. Pressures abound from all sides and include social media, exams and work. I was horrified to read the statistics regarding the increasing numbers of primary school children who self-harm or are referred to the child mental health services in part because of cyber bullying. To counteract increasing anxiety and depression we are encouraged to exercise or practice mindfulness. Many people cycle, take walks in the countryside, visit the gym or do pilates and yoga but there is another way, one that benefits you and the environment and provides both exercise and mindfulness. It is available to young and old alike, creates an ideal environment to learn about the natural world and produces an end product that the whole family can enjoy. I am of course talking about gardening. Gardening is not seen as very ‘cool’, something only the oldies do, but this attitude is changing as more and more people are recognising the benefits of a gym, or a safe place of calm, in your own backyard . Here you can relax and forget the pressures of the outside world. It’s where you can grow food for the 40 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]