ure
‘Ecotherapy can also
give people a sense
of achievement and
purpose, providing
structure and
routine to people
who might not have
these in their lives.’
such as gardening or conservation, is
emerging as a promising treatment
for mild to moderate depression.’
These findings are also
supported by a study from the
University of Essex that found
that a walk in the country reduces
depression in 71 per cent of
participants. The researchers found
that as little as five minutes in a
natural setting, whether walking in
a park or gardening in the backyard,
improves mood, self-esteem, and
motivation. A reduction in stress
has been proven to lower levels of
the stress hormone cortisol, reduce
pulse rate and lower blood pressure.
The sessions at
Bosence are all
facilitated by
horticulturalist and
land manager, Noah
Hall, who ensures
the grounds are maintained to the
highest standard, enabling clients
to fully benefit from the incredible
natural environment. Over the
last few years he has created a
woodland nature trail and sensory
garden, and is also responsible for
an ever increasing harvest of fresh
organic produce, grown in several
on-site polytunnels and allotments.
To complement the ecotherapy
sessions, Noah also provides
a weekly cookery session to
those enrolled on the residential
treatment programme, with much
of the produce sourced on site.
Alongside the structured sessions,
residential clients have the option
to help with seed sowing, potting
on, planting veg and flowers,
weeding, watering, strawberry
picking, or whatever needs doing,
and also have the opportunity to
conduct wildlife surveys.
Feedback from the sessions
has been overwhelmingly positive,
with participants commenting that
they have found them to be both
informative and inspiring, while
helping them to feel calm and
relaxed.
Holly, a local client from
Cornwall, says that the ecotherapy
project has provided her with a
number of new experiences and
opportunities. ‘In the last few
weeks I’ve acquired the skills to
identify a variety of the different
types of herbs and through
education sessions I’ve gained
knowledge on how to combine,
prepare and cook different types of
tea,’ she says.
‘Since the start of my treatment,
I’ve regularly been involved with
the planting and harvesting of
fruit and vegetables. In particular,
I’ve enjoyed taking part in “Vegan
Friday”, where I have learnt new
recipes and prepared several dishes
using only the produce grown on
site. When I complete treatment,
I will definitely continue to cook
these recipes as regularly as I can.
‘I’m looking forward to taking
part in mindfulness sessions in the
next couple of weeks,’ she adds. ‘I
feel so relaxed in such a tranquil
and peaceful environment.’
The coming weeks will see
the introduction of a formal
measurement tool to gauge and
monitor client feedback, similar
to those we use to evaluate
the effectiveness of the various
interventions that comprise our
treatment programmes. In the
longer term, we plan to offer
a formal structured 12-week
ecotherapy programme that will
include sessions such as creative
writing and drawing outdoors.
We’re lucky that our spacious and
diverse site has afforded us with the
perfect environment to incorporate
such a varied range of ecotherapy
techniques into our programmes.
Tom Packer is business
development manager at Bosence
Farm Community, a member of the
Choices Treatment Consortium
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SEPTEMBER 2020 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 17