gardening for wellness
‘make a difference’
Environment project award winners, 2024
Gardening can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide physical exercise, enhancing
both mental and physical health. It also fosters social connections and encourages
healthier eating habits.
Seeding The Change works exclusively in Stockport to provide
a social and well-being, nature for health programme. Helping
participants and communities through nature-based therapy
and increasing access to green space.
Ran by GP Dr Aimee Priestman and Mental Health Nurse
Gemma Carroll, combining clinical expertise, our passion for
both gardening and a sustainable approach to health care, we
have successfully delivered and continue to grow the number
of regreening projects across Stockport.
Our projects support GP's Social prescribing programmes in
Stockport, whilst providing a holistic preventative alternative to
traditional medicine thereby also supporting Stockport’s
- pledge to be net zero by 2030 and the NHS’s pledge to be Net
zero by 2040.
intro
A community interest company, established in 2022 by a
Stockport based GP Dr Aimee Priestman and Mental Health
Nurse Gemma Carroll, both with a passion for gardening,
nature and a more holistic sustainable approach to mental and
physical health.
Over the last 2 years we have successfully worked with
individuals and community groups providing nature-based
therapy, whilst enhancing the local environment and
increasing access to green space.
WHO WE ARE
In our fast-paced world, finding ways to improve our health and well-being is crucial.
One effective and enjoyable way to achieve this is by spending time in nature and
engaging in gardening.
WHAT WE DO
- Seeding the Change run weekly gardening sessions with participants in
Stockport.
Each session provides the opportunity to meet like minded people,
socialise, learn and share gardening techniques as well as develop skills
in creating wildlife areas, growing your own produce and small space
planting ideas. Whilst gaining all the health benefits of being in the great
outdoors!
Our projects include:
Webb Lane Allotment - here we have a large plot we are developing for
organic growing, our polytunnel is a great space for socialising and
enabling sessions to run even on the wettest days. We welcome
everyone, regardless of knowledge of gardening or skill and we offer a
space to do as much or little gardening as you like.
Chelwood Foodbank - here we are developing a woodland wellbeing
area, and growing space to provide fresh produce for food bank users
Shaw Heath Community Garden - here we have regenerated a area of
derelict land into a welcoming community garden for growing and
socialising.
Greening Up Cheadle Hulme - we work as part of a group of local
volunteers to regreen the High Street and train station for the health and
wellbeing of residents and visitors as well as improving biodiversity in
the local area.
Stockport School Gardening Network - we support school’s in
Stockport to develop green space on site and or connect their students
with local greenspace projects and organisations.
Britannia Hotel Community Garden - we run monthly community
gardening sessions to support people seeking asylum develop an area
of unused carpark into a inviting space to be residents.
Bridgehall Community Garden - we are working alongside other
organisations to develop derelict space to provide a community garden
for local residents.
We also work alongside Stockport Green Network, to support local
initiatives and deliver Stockport’s annual Green Festival ‘Greenstock’
Everyone is welcome at our wellbeing sessions, just turn up or
contact us via email, social media or speak with your GP’s
wellbeing navigator for a referral.
Please note that our sessions are run during term time only.
Monday 10am-12pm
Webb Lane Allotments - Webb Lane, Offerton, Stockport SK1 4EL.
Monday 1pm-3 pm
Chelwood Foodbank - Chelwood Baptist Church, Adswood Road,
Chelwood Hulme, Stockport SK8 5QA.
- We also run Monthly community gardening sessions at Shaw
Heath Community Garden, Kimberley Street Day Centre, Shaw
Heath, Stockport SK3 8EB.
when WE DO IT
Spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental
well-being by providing a calming environment and promoting physical activity.
- Webb Lane, Offerton , Stockport SK1 4EL
where WE DO IT
- Kimberley Street, Shaw Heath, Stockport
SK3 8EB
Chelwood Baptist Church, Adswood
Road, Chelwood Hulme, Stockport
- SK8 5QA
‘Green spaces make us all happier and healthier’
Gardening Boosts Physical Health
- Gardening is a fantastic form of exercise that can help improve strength,
endurance, and flexibility. Regular gardening can reduce the risk of
high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Just 30
minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as some sports. - Studies show s a 10% increase in exposure to green space translates to
health equivalent of being 5 years younger.
Enhances Mental Well-being
- Time in nature lowers cortisol (human stress hormone) levels and can
repair damage done by negative life stresses. - Gardening and time in nature increases our happy hormone serotonin.
It can also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, providing a
sense of calm and relaxation. - Gardening offers a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can
boost your mood and self-esteem and increased resilience.
Time Outdoors Improves Sleep Quality
- Exposure to natural light and fresh air can help regulate your sleep
patterns, leading to better sleep quality. A good night’s sleep is
essential for overall health and can reduce the likelihood of sickness.
Strengthens Immune System
- Being outdoors and engaging with nature can boost your immune
system, making you less susceptible to illnesses. The fresh air and
physical activity involved in gardening can enhance your body’s
natural defences.
Encourages Social Interaction
- People are increasingly more socially isolated increasing their risk of
cardiovascular disease and dementia. - Gardening can be a social activity, whether you’re working in a
community garden or simply sharing tips and produce with neighbours.
Social interactions are vital for mental health and reduces feelings of
loneliness and isolation.
Promotes Healthy Eating
- Growing your own fruits and vegetables encourages healthier eating
habits. Fresh, home-grown produce is often more nutritious and free
from harmful pesticides.
why WE DO IT
“This place is heaven”
“It’s minus 5 degrees and we’re here, that’s how good it is for your head!”
“I stop thinking about my problems for a few hours”
“It helped me to start going out for other activities as well”
“It makes me feel at home”
“I wish we could come every day”
- “ I enjoy the vibe, friendly, easy going, nice- it’s just perfect”
"I love that I can work independently, have control, and ownership of
what we do”
“Last week, I came out of my shell. It helps to build confidence and
meeting people naturally”
BUT DOn’t just take our word for it
Consider dedicating some time each week to
gardening or simply spending more time outdoors.
Whether you have a large garden or just a few pots
on a balcony, the benefits are immense.
Let’s embrace nature and gardening to enhance
our health and well-being.
Website by @weareoom
Logo by Kate Fox Design Studio
© Seeding The Change, 2025
Seeding The Change C.I.C
Company number 14001723
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