Wellbeing in Nature: Gardening Group for Over 50s

Retirement can be a time of joy and freedom – but for many, it can also bring feelings of isolation, reduced mobility, and an unwelcome sense of disconnection from community and purpose. That’s where the 50+ Wellbeing in Nature Group comes in. Based at the beautiful Frome Valley Growing Project, this free, friendly drop-in group is designed especially for people aged 50+ who want to stay active, social, and connected with the natural world.

"I have really valued the time spent at the wellbeing group. I felt gratitude for being in such a beautiful space and nurtured by the group, especially Kate, her acceptance, nurturing and support."

Why Staying Social and Active Matters

As life moves on, our routines and relationships can shift—whether through career changes, relocation, or simply the natural ebb and flow of social connections. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit more disconnected at times. That’s why finding spaces to meet new people, share experiences, and stay active is so important for our wellbeing.

Our bodies also change with time. You might notice a little more stiffness or feel less mobile, especially if you're not as active as you once were. But the good news is that regular gentle movement—combined with fresh air and time in nature—can make a big difference. It helps support strength, flexibility, and balance, while also boosting mood and energy levels.

What the 50+ Wellbeing in Nature Group Offers:

🌿 Weekly drop-in gardening sessions

📍 Frome Valley Growing Project

🕥 Thursdays from 10:30am–1:30pm (come anytime)

📅 6th March – 24th July 2025

The group offers three hours of outdoor connection each week – a relaxed space where everyone can contribute at their own pace. Whether you're a keen gardener or complete beginner, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Sessions include:

• 🌸 Mindfulness and connection to nature

• 🌱 Growing food to promote biodiversity

• 🌍 Celebrating the Celtic Wheel of the Year

• 🌻 No-dig gardening methods to improve soil health

• 🌾 Saving and using local seed

• 🌳 Learning to identify native plants, trees, and animals

  
  

Set in a stunning 3.5-acre off-grid oasis, this group is open to anyone aged 50 and over who wants to enjoy the magic of the outdoors, get stuck into nature-friendly gardening, and take time for peaceful reflection. No experience needed—just curiosity, community spirit, and a love for the land (or a desire to discover it!).

Each session brings a gentle rhythm to your week, starting with a warm group check-in, followed by seasonal hands-on gardening, and finishing with a soothing meditation to ground you in the here and now. Whether you're sowing seeds, digging for biodiversity, or simply soaking up the calm of our food forest or wildflower meadow, you’ll leave feeling restored and reconnected.

Frome Valley Growing Project (FVGP) is more than just a growing space—it’s a living, breathing example of what’s possible when people and planet thrive together. Founded on Permaculture Design Principles, our site is a hub for ecological action and community resilience. We grow chemical-free, nutrient-rich produce for local people, food banks, and community cafés—all with ultra-low food miles.

What will you find here?

🌾 A food forest bursting with life

🌼 A rewilding area full of nature’s surprises

🐝 Buzzing beehives and a thriving herb garden

💧 Off-grid water harvesting

🌿 And plenty of space to breathe, explore, and belong

And the best part? It’s all tailored to your pace, your interests, and your wellbeing. Whether you want to dive into gardening techniques that boost biodiversity, learn how to care for the soil, or simply sit quietly among the trees, you’ll find your place here. It’s a chance to learn something new, feel the sun on your face, and get your hands in the soil – all while being part of a supportive community.

Our Over 50s Gardening Group Benefits for Body, Mind & Soul!

🌼 Physical health: Gardening is a gentle but effective way to stay active. You’ll stretch, bend, lift, and move in ways that support strength, flexibility, and coordination. Regular movement helps reduce stiffness and improves circulation – important factors in managing conditions like arthritis.

🌸 Emotional wellbeing: Spending time in nature has been shown to lower stress levels, improve mood, and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness practices and seasonal celebrations offer a sense of rhythm, joy, and peace.

🌺 Social connection: At its heart, Growing Together is about people. You’ll meet others from the local area, share stories, and build new friendships in a relaxed, inclusive environment. There’s no pressure – just community, curiosity, and a shared love of nature.

As one volunteer Erica puts it:

“I so enjoy my time at the Growing Project. I can work at my own pace. As an Osteo Arthritis sufferer, both my strength and range of movement have greatly improved.”

Sessions are run by our lovely activity lead Kate - Say Hi!

The 50+ Wellbeing in Nature group is lovingly led by Kate Macdonald, founder of the Frome Valley Growing Project and a passionate advocate for the healing power of nature.

Kate brings a rich and unique blend of experience to every session. With a Postgraduate Qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, training in Massage and Permaculture Design, and a background as a Yoga Teacher and Environmental Educator, her approach is holistic, inclusive, and deeply rooted in care.

She also practices contemporary animism—an approach that recognises the living spirit of the natural world—and brings this sensibility into her sessions in a gentle, accessible way. Her work is trauma-informed, which means everything is designed with safety, choice, and support at its heart.

Kate creates calm, welcoming spaces where people feel at ease to slow down, reconnect, and grow—both in the garden and within themselves. Whether she’s guiding a mindful nature meditation, helping someone discover the joy of planting seeds, or sharing ecological wisdom from her Permaculture practice, her presence is always grounding, compassionate, and empowering.

Through Frome Valley Growing Project, Kate weaves together therapeutic insight with practical ecological learning to nurture not just healthy soil, but healthy minds and strong communities too.

Come along and experience it for yourself—you're in kind, capable hands.

"I enjoyed the physicality. Being part of nature and a supportive , kind group."

Join Us – You’re Always Welcome

This group is open to anyone over 50, and you can join at any time and no need to stay for the full session. Sessions are free to attend. The site is off-grid, so please bring a packed lunch and water. There’s a compost toilet and rainwater hand-washing facilities, and the terrain is uneven, so suitable footwear is advised.

📍 Location: Frome Valley Growing Project, Winterbourne📧

To register interest, contact: kate@oneplanetmatters.com

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Let’s grow together – for health, happiness, and community.