2024 has been another successful year for the Growing New Roots project, with three blocks running for residents across Sussex, including East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove. Participants have shared some deeply positive feedback about their experiences exploring the South Downs, from the stunning views at Truleigh Hill to the peaceful coastal landscape at Seaford. It’s been rewarding to see how connecting with these beautiful locations has had such a positive impact.
‘An Amazing and Life Sustaining Project’: Reflecting on a year of Growing New Roots groups
Growing New Roots is a project offering a range of supportive ecotherapy groups and activities on the chalk grassland downs delivered through an 8-week program offered year-round. It falls under the wider Changing Chalk project, a partnership of organisations from Adur to Eastbourne that are striving to connect people, nature and heritage. The sessions are specifically designed to support individuals with an acute mental health diagnosis such as anxiety and depression, to promote a sense of wellbeing amongst a natural environment.
Over the course of the year, we ran three blocks of 9 weekly sessions. Each block began with a taster session, giving participants a chance to get a feel for the format, meet the leaders and volunteers, and try out some activities.
Each programme had a base where participants met at the start of each session and completed activities took place. In 2024, the Brighton & Hove and West Sussex groups met at the Clubhouse, just outside Brighton, while the East Sussex sessions were based at the Seven Sisters Country Park.
This year, we introduced new measures to enhance accessibility and ensure a more inclusive experience. Our sessions cater to those with moderate ability, though participants need to be prepared for occasional steep slopes and uneven ground. To create a balanced experience, some sessions featured shorter walks, allowing more time for sharing information activities, grounding, and reflection.
With the help of a minibus, we explored a diverse range of locations across the chalk landscape from hilltops to beaches, offering participants the chance to enjoy stunning scenery from various perspectives. As one participant expressed, the sessions offered a chance to ‘slow down and look at what is around us.’
Our sessions always include an educational element, presented in a digestible and engaging way. This year, the participants have explored the chalk grasslands; their geology, history and the importance of conservation of the area. The aim is to inspire a deeper insight into the duty of care we all have for this precious landscape both now and in the future and increase a sense of connection and belonging. One participant shared that they had ‘learnt more in the past weeks than (they had) done in 40 years.’
This year has been great for connecting with our Changing Chalk partners. We welcomed insightful talks from Gary Webster, Heritage Officer at the National Trust, engaged with South Downs National Park Rangers, and enjoyed an insightful session led by Alice Parfitt, Conservation Officer at Buglife. These collaborations have brought invaluable expertise and contributed massively towards our shared mission.
Through guided mindfulness activities and practical tools, we’ve empowered our participants with a valuable toolbox to help manage stress and anxiety in the future. But the benefits go beyond individual well-being. Some friendships have blossomed as a result of the programmes, with many participants grateful for the opportunity to ‘meet new people’. A WhatsApp group allows participants to stay in touch after the sessions have finished to explore new walking spots or revisit favourite ones together. One participant shared that they’ve ‘discovered new places to walk,’ with another highlighting that ‘it was great in the safety of the group to do things I wouldn’t try alone.’
Spending time outdoors has been shown to enhance mental well-being, and this programme is designed with that in mind. It focuses on supporting people with acute mental illnesses by providing opportunities to connect with nature. One participant shared, ‘It has improved my mood,’ while another noted they were ‘walking more.’ Encouraging people to get outside and explore the local landscape is a key goal of the project, and it’s encouraging to see participants achieving these outcomes.
The heartfelt testimonials we’ve received truly highlight the programme’s profound impact on participants’ lives. One participant shared, ‘the adventure has meant so much to me,’ beautifully capturing the personal growth and sense of connection nurtured through these sessions. While another noted that ‘this experience gave (them) a sense of belonging.’ Others have described their experiences as ‘life-enhancing,’ ‘confidence-building,’ ‘magical,’ and ‘soul-nourishing,’ all really touching words that beautifully capture the transformative and uplifting impact of their time spent in nature. We hope to continue this positive impact across our sessions in the new year.
