Eco-Therapy
Eco-Therapy uses horticulture, gardening and mindfulness activities along with some forest bathing to support people with their mental health and wellbeing.
Who is Eligible for our Eco-Therapy?
16+ years of age, those struggling with their mental health and would benefit from a friendly group of people that are going through similar experiences.
How can Eco-Therapy be used to Support Mental Health?
The project incorporates several different techniques to promote good mental and emotional health. This is through being outdoors alot of the time, emersingourselves in nature is proven to support mental wellbeing.
We employ a fully trained mental health facilitator to demonstrate different techniques that suport mental health all designed around a course that traches people about gardening, and horticulture across the different seasons throughout the year. We also include Forest Bathing sessions as part of the course, a Japanese mindfulness practice proven to support positive mental health and wellbeing.
Who Facilitates our Eco-Therapy in Burton?
Trained Horticulturalist and founder of Little Trees Sarah Ryan.
Trained Mental Health and Mindfulness Facilitator and founder of Remedies Jo Smith.
We are currently offering a 14 week course at the Muddy Boots Garden starting from Friday 5th September until the 5th December 2025.
When is it?
Friday mornings 10am-12pm, at Muddy Boots Garden behind Burton & District Mind.
This project is FREE to participants.
Thank you to Mercer Family Charitable Foundation for providing funding.
Impact of previous courses
On the previous course we ran, 100% of respondents reported an increase in their mental wellbeing, 100% of respondents reported that the project had a positive impact on their self esteem. 100% of respondents who took part reported a reduction in loneliness and isolation. 50% of respondents demonstrated a willingness to continue to take part in activities involving nature after the project concluded. A Net Promoter score of 98.5!
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Jo Smith - Trained Mental Health and Mindfulness Facilitator and founder of Remedies
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Sarah Ryan - Trained Horticulturalist and founder of Little Trees
Here is some feedback from participants
“The course helped me to be able to get out of bed every Tuesday and i will use this to build on and continue to do more things. I now don’t feel as overwhelmed leaving the house.”
– AP, April 2025
“Being on the course has helped me feel better, anxiety has gone down a bit and learning new things as well as meeting new people have been highlights.”
– ML, 2025.
