gardening for
HEALTH and Wellbeing
‘make a difference’
Environment project award winners, 2024
Seeding The Change works exclusively in Stockport to provide
a social and well-being, nature for health programme. We
provide participants and communities with nature-based
therapy and increased access to green space.
Run 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 nature for health projects across Stockport.
Our projects support GP's Social prescribing programmes in
Stockport, whilst providing a holistic preventative approach to
health and wellbeing. Thereby also supporting the NHS’s
pledge to be Net zero by 2040, The NHS long-term plan (2019)
and the One Stockport Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
2023-2030.
introduction
Gardening and spending time in nature has a strong evidence base for
improving mental health and wellbeing. In particular, combating social
isolation, low mood and anxiety whilst enhancing self-esteem,
interpersonal skills, motivation and resilience.
A Community Interest Company, established in 2022 by a Stockport based GP Dr Aimee Priestman and Mental Health Nurse Gemma Carroll, with a passion for gardening, nature and a holistic, sustainable approach to mental and physical health.
Over the last 3 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
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.You can
develop skills in creating wildlife areas, growing your own produce and
small space planting whilst gaining all the health benefits of being in the
great outdoors!
Our projects include:
Webb Lane Allotment - here we have a large allotment plot, we are
developing for organic growing, perennial planting and wildlife spaces
whist our polytunnel creates a great space for relaxing, socialising and
enabling sessions to run even on the wettest of 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 people using the
food bank.
Shaw Heath Community Garden - here we have regenerated an area of
derelict land into a welcoming community garden for growing and
socialising. This is open to the public, for use at all times.
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 across
Stockport to develop green space on site and 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 an inviting and thriving community garden.
Bridgehall Community Garden - we are working alongside other
organisations to develop derelict space to provide a community garden
for local residents.
We work alongside Stockport Green Network, to support green
Initiatives across the borough and deliver Stockport’s very own annual
Green Festival ‘Greenstock’
WHAT WE DO
Everyone is welcome at our wellbeing sessions!
You can: Just turn up, 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.
Monthly community gardening sessions at Shaw Heath
Community Garden, Kimberley Street Day Centre, Shaw Heath,
Stockport SK3 8EB
Monthly community gardening sessions at Britannia Hotel
(Residents Only)
when WE DO IT
Spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance
overall mental wellbeing by providing a calming environment and
promoting physical activity.
where WE DO IT
Webb Lane, Offerton , Stockport SK1 4EL
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 helps improve strength,
endurance, and flexibility. Regular gardening reduces 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 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.
which can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, providing a
sense of calm and relaxation.Gardening provides a sense of purpose and achievement, which can lift
mood, build self-esteem, and strengthen resilience. It also offers a
calming, mindful activity that supports overall mental wellbeing.
Time Outdoors Improves Sleep Quality
Exposure to natural light and fresh air helps regulate sleep patterns,
leading to better sleep quality. A good night’s sleep is vital for overall
health and can lower the risk of illness.
Strengthens Immune System
Gardening provides moderate exercise, which boosts circulation and
immune cell production. Exposure to soil introduces beneficial
microbes that strengthen the immune system, while time outdoors
increases vitamin D levels essential for immune health.
Improve Environment and Biodiversity
By increasing the number of green projects in urban areas, we create
more wildlife habitats and support biodiversity, whilst helping to
improve air and noise pollution.Hope to use our voice to influence positive change across Stockport
and engage with like minded individuals.
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 gave me the confidence to start going to 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”
“I have met so many like minded people, and feel we have made a
fantastic connection”
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.
In our fast-paced world, finding ways to improve our health and
wellbeing is crucial. An effective and enjoyable way to achieve
this is spending time in nature and engaging in gardening.
Website by @weareoom
Logo by Kate Fox Design Studio
© Seeding The Change, 2025
Seeding The Change C.I.C
Company number 14001723