Talbot Village Trust has provided Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) with more than £2,000 to purchase essential tools and materials for DWT’s Greengage ‘ecotherapy’ project in Swanage.
The Greengage project is a wellbeing ‘hub’ designed to help people with mental health issues in the local community, through ‘ecotherapy’ and therapeutic horticulture. DWT runs the project at a former commercial plant nursery owned by Swanage Town Council, and volunteers are currently restoring the site to create a space suitable for the growth of wildlife friendly plants, fruit and vegetables.
Through the project, participants are supported in undertaking practical tasks, gain informal training, and develop team working and communication skills. This donation has helped DWT progress the project by enabling people to undertake horticultural activities using the tools and materials purchased and building structures for horticultural purposes.
Katie Wilkinson, community conservation officer for Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Carrying out activities in a natural environment provides benefits for our health and wellbeing. The funding received from Talbot Village Trust has enabled us to improve the Greengage site which is used for our ‘ecotherapy’ project, which allows us to continue to support everyone involved through the shared love of horticulture.”
Russell Lucas-Rowe, Trustee of Talbot Village Trust, added: “Talbot Village Trust fully supports any project which promotes mental health awareness and support within the local community. DWT should be proud of the fact it has created and continues to run this project, and in return help so many people.”
Talbot Village Trust meets biannually, and will be accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet in spring next year. Please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.