A NEW Restorative Garden Project has launched at at Upton Surgery to support community health.
The scheme is designed to support the health and wellbeing of patients, staff, and the wider community through engagement with nature.
The project has recently been selected as one of only five initiatives nationwide to receive funding through the Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarships.
Led by Advanced Nurse Practitioner Elaine Bevan-Smith and Dr Brett Roberts (GP), the Worcestershire-based project aims to explore how a restorative garden environment can improve both physical and mental health.
The funding programme supports innovations that use gardens to improve wellbeing.
Upton Surgery’s project was selected following a competitive application process for the five funded places.
The restorative garden will provide a calming and therapeutic outdoor space designed to reduce anxiety, depression, and social isolation while encouraging gentle physical activity and social connection.
The garden will also allow therapy groups – including pulmonary rehabilitation, men’s mental health support, and pain management – to take place outdoors, helping patients benefit from time in nature as part of their care.
Upton Surgery staff said: “This project is about creating a space where people can pause, connect with nature,
and support their wellbeing in a simple but meaningful way.
“As a rural community with limited access to specialist services, it’s important that we develop local ways to support people’s health and prevent problems from getting worse.
“We’re incredibly proud to have been chosen for this programme. This is about offering a new and positive approach to health and wellbeing for our patients and our community.”
The garden will be open to patients, staff, and rehabilitation groups and will include features designed to promote biodiversity and sustainability.
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