Funded by Berkshire Healthcare Charity, the project will draw upon staff and patient experience and combine this with BBOWT’s expertise in local nature, to create a bespoke space that both supports recovery and rest while encouraging local wildlife.

The space will be designed to enable clinicians to deliver structured outdoor sessions that support emotional regulation, sensory integration, physical activity and social connection. Colleagues working at the hospital will also benefit from a restorative outdoor space to take a mindful break during a busy shift.

Theresa Wyles, Chief Operating Officer at Berkshire Healthcare and former director of Mental Health said: 

“There are emerging studies on the benefits of nature as a therapeutic tool. The findings demonstrate the potential for nature-based interventions to enhance engagement, aid emotional processing and foster a sense of empowerment and autonomy. We're glad to have the support of our Charity and the Wildlife Trust to maximise this space for our people as well as our local biodiversity.”

Liz Shearer, Community Engagement Director at BBOWT, said:

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with staff and patients at the hospital to co-create a new garden that will provide a welcoming space for people to engage with nature as well as provide homes for local wildlife from birds and butterflies to bumblebees and ladybirds.”

Berkshire Healthcare Charity has secured £135,000 from NHS Charities Together as part of their Greener Communities Fund, following a successful application. The fund invests in green spaces in clinical environments to benefit the health and wellbeing of NHS staff, patients and communities by creating more opportunities to access nature. 

Supported by environmental charity Hubbub and Starbucks, NHS Charities Together awarded £500,000 to 15 NHS Charities across the UK this year. In previous years the fund has supported over 20 projects nationally.