Earlier this week, the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Breakfast Show team visited our Community Allotment Project and explored some of the mental health benefits it offers to its participants.

Dave Webster, a reporter for the BBC, met Ruth, Allotment Project Coordinator, and Shane, a volunteer at the project. Ruth and Shane shared insights into work happening at the site during this year’s rainy spring and the value of the community for residents who have experienced homelessness.

The Allotment Project provides opportunities for residents to engage with social and therapeutic horticulture in a collaborative and supportive community. Shane described his favourite part of work on the allotment: “I talk to my plants, I find it helps talking to your plants. Just give them love and nurture and they’ll reward you.”

Speaking about the ethos that underpins the project, Ruth emphasised the intrinsic value of shared experiences. “It’s about gardening as a therapy,” Ruth explained. “Some of that is just having an absolute laugh together in a group because that’s really important for human beings.

“To make fun of each other but then on the flip side to look out for each other when someone’s having a problem.”

Beyond the hard work the group puts into maintaining the plot and growing a wide variety of vegetables, as well as wildflowers and fruit trees, the allotment project cultivates a sense of community and resilience, offering a haven for residents.

Listen again to their conversation with Dave Webster here.