Thrive with Notcutts during lockdown 

Notcutts Garden Centres  have partnered with national charity Thrive to help cultivate the nation’s wellbeing through gardening.

Launched just before the first UK wide lockdown in March 2020, the ‘Cultivating Wellbeing in Gardens and Nature’ course has been enjoyed by many – helping them to connect with nature and understand why being outdoors is so beneficial.

The free online course, developed by experts in therapeutic horticulture from Thrive, has been designed to encourage people to use their gardens to spend more time connecting with nature as a tool to restore wellbeing and improve physical and mental health.

Caroline Notcutt, Vice-Chairman of Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “At Notcutts, we have always been passionate about the benefits that gardening can bring to mental and physical health as my Great-Grandfather, Roger Crompton Notcutt, was advised to work outdoors due to ill health. It was then that his passion for horticulture began and Notcutts was founded over 120 years ago”.

Five-hour course

The five-hour course, which can be completed over any length of time, is split into three short modules. Suitable for any age and ability, the course includes expert advice and practical ideas on how to engage with nature, using interactive activities and video tutorials. Users are encouraged to develop and implement their own wellbeing plan, even if they don’t have access to a garden.

Damien Newman, Thrive’s Training, Education and Consultancy Manager, said: “Coronavirus and its associated social restrictions has underlined the importance of spending time in gardens and nature to maintain good health.

“We’re pleased that Notcutts' support means we can make this course freely available."

For more information about Thrive and to access the free ‘Cultivating Wellbeing in Gardens and Nature’ course, visit at  www.thrive.org.uk/nature

To find out more about Notcutts Garden Centres, visit www.notcutts.co.uk.